What does chemical restraint mean in a Florida nursing home abuse claim?

A chemical restraint is the administration of psychotropic, anti-anxiety, or sedative medications for the purpose of staff convenience or behavioral discipline rather than legitimate medical treatment. Under Florida Statutes § 400.022, nursing home residents have the explicit right to be free from chemical restraints that are not authorized in writing by a physician for a specified time to protect the resident or others from injury. Using unauthorized medication to subdue residents constitutes severe neglect and abuse. Jeffrey S. Altman and The Altman Law Firm inspect medication administration records, pharmacy logs, and physician orders to uncover unlawful chemical restraint practices.