Maine Hearing on Bed Rails Highlights Tension Between Resident Safety and Federal Restraint Rules

Senator Craig Hickman presented LD 759, a proposal to let long‑term care facilities install bed side rails when a resident or legal guardian requests them or when they are otherwise necessary for safety. The sponsor framed the bill as a narrow, patient‑safety measure intended to let staff use an available fall‑prevention tool for residents who cannot otherwise protect themselves from falling out of bed.

Supporters’ testimony: Karen Dotsi Bordi, a registered nurse and family caregiver, described repeated falls by her mother after a hospitalization and said staff told the family full side rails were not allowed under current Maine rules. She asked the legislature to create a pathway that would allow clinicians and families to use side rails judiciously to reduce harm. Other testifiers said they had observed residents…