Who must authorize any use of restraint or immobilization?

Authorization for the use of restraint or immobilization is primarily a medical decision and must be made by a physician. This is due to the significant ethical and legal implications associated with such actions. Physicians conduct assessments of the patient's condition and determine the necessity of restraints to ensure safety. They are trained to evaluate potential risks, monitor patient responses, and decide when such interventions are appropriate based on clinical guidelines and standards of care.

In contrast, while nurse managers may oversee practices within a healthcare setting, they do not have the authority to authorize restraint procedures without a physician’s directive. Hospital administrators generally focus on broader organizational and operational policies and do not make individual clinical decisions regarding patient care. Family members, despite their importance in advocating for a patient’s needs and their preferences, do not have the authority to authorize medical interventions like restraints, which require clinical judgment and professional responsibility.