Behavior Intervention

Section 830 Section 830.150  Behavior Intervention a)         Behavior intervention is a therapeutic measure which is to be used only to prevent a student from causing damage to property or physical harm to himself/herself or others.  The following procedures shall be used, as part of a behavior modification or management program.  In no event shall restraint be used to punish or discipline a student or as a convenience to staff. b)         Behavior intervention may include physically holding, or otherwise restricting the movement of the student's limbs, head or body.  No mechanical or chemical restraint shall be permitted.  Medically prescribed or monitored procedures for the treatment of an existing physical condition or the amelioration of a physical disability, such as braces and other medical equipment, are not considered restraints.  The partial or total immobilization of a student for the purpose of performing a medical/surgical procedure is not restraint. c)         Procedures for the use of physical restraint at the State Schools are as follows: 1)         physical restraint shall be employed in a humane and therapeutic manner. In no event shall restraint be used when it is medically contraindicated (i.e., could adversely affect the health of the student). 2)         whenever physical restraint is used with a student whose primary communication is sign language, writing, or computer, the student shall be permitted to have his/her hands free from restraint for brief periods, except when freedom may result in physical harm to the student or others.  A staff member skilled in the student's mode of communication shall be in attendance when the student's hands are free. 3)         the student must be released from restraint as soon as possible.  The use of restraint shall not exceed 30 consecutive minutes. 4)         the person who initiates the restraint shall inform his/her supervisor as soon as possible and must submit a written detailed anecdotal report of the cause/conditions that called for the use of physical restraint.  The report shall include the date, time, and location that the physical restraint took place.  This report will be placed in the student's temporary records maintained by the State School with a copy to be sent to the parent of the student and through the chain of command to the facility administrator. d)         All direct care staff shall be trained in behavior intervention techniques, including physical restraint, to prevent injury to the students. Documentation of training shall be maintained in the employee personnel files kept at each State School.  Employees that have not completed the training may not employ physical restraint.