Bedrails: Safety, Compliance, and Rights

Webinar

REGISTRATION FEE

Registration Deadline: September 22, 2026

Description

Bedrails and similar assistive devices can be part of an effective plan for some people, but when they are used incorrectly, they can be dangerous. Improper use of bedrails has contributed to hundreds of deaths nationwide, including several in Minnesota over the last few years. Recently, MDH’s collaborative safety initiative looked at situations where assisted living facilities and home care providers received correction orders related to bedrail use. While that work is still in progress, we know appropriate assessment, care planning, and education can make a vital difference. This webinar will share lessons learned so far.

Program Objectives

1. Describe the risks created by inappropriate bedrail use.
   
2. Understand the difference in regulatory standards between a hospital bed and consumer assistive devices.
   
3. Learn regulatory and clinical factors to consider for bedrail assessments.

FACULTY

Matthew Heffron, JD, NREMT, Assistant Division Director, Health Regulation Division, Minnesota Department of Health 

Mr. Heffron is an attorney with over sixteen years of experience in health care regulation, including legal and investigative positions at the Minnesota Board of Nursing, Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, and the Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC). He currently serves as an Assistant Division Director for the Health Regulation Division at the Minnesota Department of Health. Prior to law school, he worked as an emergency medical technician for a rural ambulance service and hospital. In addition to his law degree and EMT license, he holds an MA in Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Health Care Ethics. He is also a retired Army intelligence officer with multiple overseas deployments. 

Recording

Registered attendees will be sent a recording link following the presentation. The recording will be available for 30 days.

CONFIRMATION

A confirmation will be emailed to you by September 22. This confirmation will include the presentation handouts (if available), CE documents, and information on accessing the webinar. 

EDUCATION PAYMENT POLICY

Non-Members – Payment in full is required upon registration.

Members – Outstanding invoices 30 days after an event date will incur a $25 late fee per registration.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations from non-members must be in writing via email and received by MHCA on or before Thursday, September 17, 2026 to receive a refund. No refunds for cancellations made after the cancellation deadline or for no-shows.  

HANDOUTS

Handouts and related materials will be sent to you shortly before the program to the email address you provide. Please feel free to provide an additional email address as a backup.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Please click here to review the MHCA Code of Conduct.

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 22, 2026

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Melissa Stenberg, MHCA Education Manager at (651) 635-0923 or MSTENBERG@MNHOMECARE.ORG