§ 72463. Special Treatment Program Service Unit -Restrictions on Applying Restraints and Utilizing Seclusion.

(a) In applying physical restraints, each of the following requirements shall be met in addition to those set forth in Section 72319:

(1) Careful consideration shall be given to the methods by which the restraints may be speedily removed in the event of fire or other emergency.

(2) Patients placed in restraint shall be observed by qualified treatment personnel at least every half hour. This observation shall be noted and initialed in the patient's health record following each observation.

(3) Each individual program plan authorizing restraint shall specify the behavior to be modified, the method to be used, the schedule for use of the method, the person responsible for the program and the effectiveness of the modality in attaining stated objectives.

(4) 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 applied. The exercise periods shall be documented in the patient's record.

(b) In utilizing seclusion each of the following requirements shall be met:

(1) Patients placed in seclusion shall be observed by qualified treatment personnel at least every half hour. This observation shall be noted and initialed in the patient's health record.

(2) Each individual program plan authorizing seclusion shall specify the behavior to be modified, the method to be used, the schedule for use of the method, the person responsible for the program and the effectiveness of the modality in attaining stated goals.

(3) Opportunity for motion and exercise shall be provided for a period of not less than ten minutes during each two hours in which seclusion is applied. The exercise periods shall be documented in the patient's record.

(c) Medication shall not be used as punishment, as a substitute for a program or for the convenience of staff.

Note

Note: Authority cited: Sections 208 (a) and 1275, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Section 1276, Health and Safety Code.