Research

Restraint and seclusion reports


Some content may contain outdated and offensive terminology. See: New York State Archives Statement on Language in Descriptive Resources


Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:
These reports were submitted to the Department of Mental Hygiene by psychiatric institution directors. They consist of separate daily average numbers of patients in straitjackets, restraining sheets, and seclusion. Records are restricted.
Creator:
Title:
Restraint and seclusion reports
Quantity:

0.1 cubic feet

(1 volume)

Inclusive Dates:
1952-196
Series Number:
B1758

Arrangement

Chronological.

Administrative History

A 1952 directive from Newton Bigelow, Commissioner of the Department of Mental Hygiene, required all mental health facilities to record daily the number of patients in each type of seclusion or restraint. The Department of Mental Hygiene used these figures to provide each facility director with a record monthly showing where his or her institution stood with respect to the average for other institutions in the department.

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of data used to compile reports submitted to the Department of Mental Hygiene by psychiatric institution directors and consisting of separate daily average numbers of patients in camisole restraint (straitjackets), restraining sheets, and seclusion.

Custodial History

This series was transferred from the Middletown Psychiatric Center to the State Archives in June 2000 and accessioned in January 2001.

Access Restrictions

Restricted permanently in accordance with Section 33.13, Mental Hygiene Law, relating to confidentiality of clinical records and the Personal Privacy Protection Law.Access permitted under certain conditions upon application to and approval by the State Archives.

Access Terms

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