9 CAR § 100-305. Use of force — Requirements for use of mechanical restraints

(a) Only restraint equipment approved by the Director of the Division of Youth Services or his or her designee may be used in division facilities. (b) All restraint equipment shall be used in a manner consistent with its design and intended purpose. (c) Mechanical restraint equipment shall not be secured so tightly as to interfere with circulation or so loosely as to permit chafing of the skin. (d)(1) When mechanical restraints are employed on a youth in a prone position, the youth shall be placed on his or her side as soon as practical in order to help ensure adequate respiration and circulation. (2) The youth must be allowed to sit up as soon as his or her behavior is under control. (e) When mechanical restraints are applied, staff shall: (1) Check the youth for adequate respiration and circulation every fifteen (15) minutes; (2) Provide regularly scheduled meals and drinks; (3) Provide opportunity for elimination of bodily waste at least once every two (2) hours; and (4) Provide continuous visual supervision and appropriate assistance until the mechanical restraint is terminated. (f) All incidents resulting in a youth being placed in mechanical restraints due to noncompliant behaviors shall be documented on the division Mechanical Restraint Reporting Log.