LAC 48:I.1399. Appendices

Procedures Governing Time Out No class member shall be placed alone in a locked room, either as punishment or for any other purpose; Legitimate "timeout" procedures may be utilized under close and direct professional supervision. These standards shall apply to "time out" procedures: 1. They are to be imposed only when less restrictive measures are not feasible; 2. Placement shall be in an unlocked room with a staff member constantly nearby in a place where the staff member can supervise the class member; 3. The class member shall have access to bathroom facilities as needed; 4. The period of isolation or segregation shall not exceed 12 hours unless renewed by a qualified professional; 5. Except in an emergency situation in which it is likely that a class member would harm himself or others, the decision to place a class member in "time out" shall be made pursuant to a written order by a qualified professional, following a personal interview with the class member, and an evaluation of the episode or situation said to require isolation or segregation. Any such order must specify the terms and conditions of "time out" and the rationale for the decision; and 6. Emergency use of "time out" shall be authorized only by the facility administrator, shall be limited to a period of not more than one hour and shall conform to all of the provisions set forth in subparagraphs 1 - 3 of this Appendix. Procedures Governing Use of Physical Restraints Physical restraints shall be employed only when absolutely necessary to protect the class member from injury to himself or to prevent injury to others. Restraints shall not be employed as punishment, for the convenience of staff, or as a substitute for a treatment program. A class member shall be restrained only if alternative techniques have failed and only if such restraint imposes the least possible restriction consistent with its purpose; and then only in accordance with the following standards: 1. An order for restraint shall be in writing and shall not be in force for longer than 12 hours. 2. Except in an emergency situation, only qualified professionals may authorize the use of restraints. 3. A class member placed in restraint shall be checked at least every 30 minutes by staff trained in the use of restraints, and a record of such checks shall be made. 4. Mechanical restraints shall be designed and used so as not to cause physical injury to the class member and so as to cause the least possible discomfort. 5. Opportunity for motion and exercise shall be provided for a period of not less than ten minutes during each two hours in which restraint is employed. 6. Daily reports shall be made to the facility administrator by those qualified professionals ordering the use of restraints, summarizing all such use of restraint, the types used, the duration, and the reasons therefor. 7. Emergency use of restraints shall be authorized only by the facility administrator, shall be limited to a period of not more than one hour, and shall conform to all of the provisions set forth in subparagraphs 3 - 5 of this Appendix. Procedures Governing the Use of Medications 1. No medication shall be administered unless a written order of a physician prescribes it in writing. 2. The medication prescribed for each class member shall be noted in his records. At least monthly the attending physician shall review the drug regimen of each class member under his care. All prescriptions shall be written with a termination date, which shall not exceed 30 days. The class member's records shall state the effects of psychoactive medication on the class member. Unnecessary or excessive medication shall not be administered to any class member. 3. Medication shall not be used as punishment, for the convenience of staff, as a substitute for a treatment program, or in quantities that interfere with the class member's treatment program. 4. No medication shall be administered except by persons who have been appropriately trained.