Medicare Program; Town Hall Meeting on the Hospital “1-hour” Rule Related to the Use of Restraint and Seclusion

Résumé

This notice announces a town hall meeting to obtain and discuss general comments from the public concerning the impact of the hospital "1-hour" rule related to the use of restraint and seclusion. Specifically, the meeting will attempt to solicit individual comments and experiences from providers, advocates, consumers, and other interested parties concerning the application of the "1-hour" rule requiring a physician or a licensed independent practitioner to make a face-to-face assessment within 1 hour of any patient being placed in restraint or seclusion for behavioral reasons. We are particularly interested in data that show how this requirement may be imposing burdens on patient care, including, but not limited to, financial burdens on hospitals and physicians. We would be happy to address/ discuss other concerns related to the provision of hospital services to this population of patients. Hospitals, provider representatives, advocacy groups, physicians, and other interested parties are invited to this meeting to present their views on this issue. The opinions and alternatives provided during this meeting will assist us as we evaluate our policy on the "1-hour" rule. The meeting i