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Washington Administrative Code (Last Updated: November 23, 2016) |
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Title 388. Social and Health Services, Department of |
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Chapter 388-145. Licensing requirements for group care facilities and services. |
Section 388-145-1820. When may a child be restrained?
Latest version.
- (1) You must use efforts other than physical restraint to redirect or deescalate a situation, unless the child's behavior poses an immediate risk to the physical safety of the child or another person, or of serious property damage. If restraint is necessary, it must be reasonable and necessary to:(a) Prevent a child from harming self or others; or(b) Protect property from serious damage.(2) All staff must be trained in a DLR approved behavior management training prior to using physical restraint.(3) You must not use physical restraint as a form of punishment or discipline. You must not use mechanical restraints unless ordered by the child's physician and approved by the department. You must not use physical restraint techniques that restrict breathing, or inflict pain as a strategy for behavior control, or is likely to cause injury that is more than temporary. These include, but are not limited to:(a) Restriction of body movement by placing pressure on joints, chest, heart, or vital organs;(b) Sleeper holds, which are holds used by law enforcement officers to subdue a person;(c) Arm twisting;(d) Hair holds;(e) Choking or putting arms around the throat; or(f) Chemical restraints, such as pepper spray.(4) When you have to use physical or mechanical restraints on a regular basis, you must get prior written approval from the child's DSHS worker and approval by your DLR licensor.(5) You must develop policies and procedures, approved by the department, when your behavior management practices include use of physical restraint, including:(a) Who may authorize the use of physical restraint; and(b) The circumstances when physical restraint may be used, including time limitations, reevaluation procedures, and supervisory monitoring.