The use of chemical restraints remains high in the disability sector. The latest NDIS Commission report shows over 14,000 people subject to authorised restrictive practices, with nearly 62% involving chemical restraint, and many subjected to multiple medications. The trend is rising, partly due to better reporting and oversight.
Despite progress, systemic issues persist. The Disability Royal Commission found that chemical restraints are often used due to limited behaviour support, untrained staff, and overreliance on medicalised responses. While PBS practitioners include medication use in Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs), questions remain about whether they should justify prescriptions made by GPs or specialists.
Tools like the Medication Purpose Form can help clarify whether a medication is a therapeutic support or a chemical restraint. But the form is optional and often incomplete, missing key details like dosage or diagnosis—information vital for understanding impacts and meeting legal requirements.
Improved collaboration is essential. Behaviour Support Practitioners and providers can:
- Educate GPs on the purpose and importance of the form.
- Encourage medication reviews and safer, person-centred strategies.
- Promote environments that reduce reliance on restrictive practices.
Reducing chemical restraint requires shared responsibility across sectors—health and disability must work together. Want to explore the full discussion? Read the original article here for deeper insights, data, and strategies on reducing the use of chemical restraints in disability support.