Anti-ligature hardware refers to fixtures, fittings, and anchoring systems specifically designed to eliminate or reduce ligature points, which are areas where a cord, rope, or other material could be attached and used for self-harm. In behavioral health and correctional facilities, anti-ligature hardware must meet specific standards to pass Joint Commission inspections and maintain patient safety compliance.

A ligature point is any fixture, fitting, or surface feature that could be used to attach a ligature, including exposed anchor rings, door hinges, curtain rails, or restraint hardware left in a raised position. The Joint Commission conducts ligature risk assessments in behavioral health facilities, and facilities can be cited for any identified ligature points, including those on restraint systems.

When not in use, the ERSO Restraint Anchor locks flush to the furniture, wall, or floor leaving no exposed ring, hook, or point. This means there is no surface feature that can function as a ligature point. When restraint is clinically required, authorized staff deploy the spring-loaded ERSO anchor using a specialized key.

Yes. The ERSO Restraint Anchor is designed for both retrofit and new construction installation. It can be retrofit directly into existing psychiatric beds and furniture, including products from manufacturers like Norix, Cortech, and Pineapple Furniture. It can also be drilled into existing concrete floors, bolted into wood framing, or anchored into masonry walls.

The anchor is designed for any facility that requires a compliant patient restraint point in a ligature-resistant environment. This includes inpatient behavioral health and psychiatric units, juvenile and adult correctional facilities, hospital psychiatric emergency departments, and secure residential treatment facilities.

Yes. In addition to internal development and beta testing with Behavioral Health Associates, Nursing staff, Administrators and Facilities personal the ERSO Restraint Anchor underwent a full end-to-end independent third-party evaluation. It also holds three granted US patents with additional patents pending.

The Joint Commission requires behavioral health facilities to conduct ligature risk assessments and remediate any identified ligature points in areas where patients may be unsupervised. This includes ensuring that patient restraint anchor systems do not present an exposed ring or fixture when not in active use. Facilities that fail to address these points risk citation during accreditation surveys. The ERSO Restraint Anchor was specifically engineered to close this compliance gap. ERSO is not affiliated with the above manufacturers. Compatibility references apply to retrofit and OEM Installation scenarios.