FDA, CPSC Post Website with Guidance on Bedrail Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have launched a joint bedrail safety website that includes guidance for providers, consumers, and manufacturers. Because of the risk of entrapment inherent in bedrail use, FDA notes that "all bed rails should be used with caution, especially with older adults and people with altered mental status, physical limitations and certain medical conditions." In guidance for providers, ​the agencies emphasize the importance of considering the individual resident’s need and suitability for using bedrails, considering such factors as the resident’s age, size, weight, and functional capacity.