What legal issue might arise from using a restraint without proper authorization?

Using a restraint without proper authorization can lead to the legal issue of false imprisonment. False imprisonment occurs when an individual's freedom to move is restrained without legal justification or consent. In healthcare settings, this can happen if a patient is physically restricted without a physician’s order or the patient’s informed consent, which violates their legal rights.

The use of restraints is tightly regulated due to the potential for abuse and the need to protect patient autonomy. If a caregiver applies a restraint without appropriate authorization, it may not only infringe upon the patient’s rights but can also expose the facility and the caregiver to legal liability under false imprisonment laws. This is particularly relevant if the patient did not pose an immediate threat to themselves or others, making the use of restraints unjustifiable.

While negligence and malpractice could arise from improper use of restraints, they typically involve failure to meet a standard of care that results in harm to the patient, rather than the specific legal violation associated with unlawfully detaining someone. Assault could be relevant in situations involving the threat of harm or actual physical harm, but it does not encompass the broader issue of wrongful confinement present in false imprisonment.