Oh, My Aching Back! TX Passes Patient Lifting Bill

[TxDeb]

Check it out at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/7...t/SB01525F.HTM

[Old_School]

Holy Mackerel, this is huge. I printed it out and showed it around. Everyone here agrees, this law needs to go nationwide.

O_S

[TxDeb]

Old School - glad to see your comment on the subject. I sorta thought it was a big deal, too. Is alleged to be landmark legislation - 1st of its kind in the nation. ------------Of course, a pessimist might question whether or not the law has "teeth." At the worst, though, it's a big step in the right direction.

[Jerryh53]

I think that whether or not is has teeth is secondary right now. The fact that it's being addressed is a huge step for the people working in the medical profession today. Let's get it passed and we will make sure there's teeth in it as long as the law makers put in checks and balances and things to insure it is carried out as it was meant to be.

Definately a big plus for Texas and the rest of the country.

[TxDeb]

My understanding is that the governor signed it into law last month; effective date is January 2006. Apparently it is a done deal.

As a nursing student in Texas, I am curious to see how this changes not only facility SOP's, but clinical skills teaching methods as well. Hmmmm - should be interesting!

[nursinghumor]

Considering that back injuries are the #1 cause of injury/disability among nurses, it is about time some laws were put on the books to address it.

It is swell of hospital administrators to teach "body mechanics" but till we have enough staff on hand to do the job safely, back injuries are going to continue to be a major problem.

Can't count how many times I've needed some help, asked around and then ultimately got frustrated and did it myself.

Guess I won't be selling my stock in Advil anytime soon.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.nursinga2z.com

[TxDeb]

I would be curious if someone could tell me if they are interpreting this law the same way I am. What I understand is that the law actually gives the nurse the right of refusal in lifting or moving the pt if he/she believes the act places the pt or him/herself at risk for injury. Is how I am reading this correct, or am I way off base?

Also, how in reality would that work in a practice setting?

Educate me, please!

[Care Assistant]

Where I work we use lifting belts. Also hoists. In the UK now It is a no lifting policy. For Care Homes and hospitals. Eveyone has to be either hoisted with a lot of residents do not like. Or either moved by the lifting belt. Manual handeling is now not allowed.

[smbrn]

This law is great news. I've been a nurse for 25 years and have never once hurt my back because I simply refuse to move people who are too heavy. I just won't do it. I had a 400 lb male with a personality disorder and other medical proglems purposely slide himself onto the floor and then demand help to get up. Supposedly no one was available to do it except me and a patient care tech. I asked for the house orderlies and was told they were busy. I called the nursing supervisor and told her he could sit on the floor until the cows came home for all I cared. I have a family to support and take care of and that got help up there pretty fast! I never touched the guy. I've had other situations like that come up. No hospital administrator can ever force you to do anything that will likely result in your injuring yourself. When they attempt it, I ask for their instructions in writing. That usually sends them packing.

[txdave22]

My name is dave gershner and I live in Dallas.

For 10 years I have been an ergonomic consultant and have been helping people achieve a better back. I hope you like the articles and will click on the ads, which are full of good information about helping achieve a better back. Working in this field has taught me a great deal about the causes, treatments, and products which can help one have a better back and/or neck, shoulders, etc.

One of my reasons for joining the board was to get some ideas of what people would like to see in a blog, in other words, what questions do you have.

Also, I want to introduce my blog to you, as I hope you will find it helpful. I intend it to be easy and interesting to read and help people have better backs, although I also discuss neck, shoulders, arthritis, yoga, exercises, and interesting back products that I know well, which can really make a world of difference to someone's life.

Please ask me questions, suggest what your needs are, if you care to. I'm sure I will learn a lot from reading the boards, and I hope that you will take a look at my site. Enjoy the articles and spectacular photography, which I think helps make people feel good.

Thank you. dave http://backbebetter.blogspot.com