SECTION 415.255. Prohibited and Restricted Practices

(a) The following practices are prohibited:

(1) a personal or mechanical restraint shall not be used that:

(A) obstructs the individual's airway, including a procedure that places anything in, on, or over the individual's mouth or nose;

(B) impairs the individual's breathing, including applying pressure to the individual's torso or neck;

(C) restricts circulation;

(D) secures an individual to a stationary object while the individual is in a standing position;

(E) causes pain to restrict an individual's movement (pressure points or joint locks); and

(F) inhibits, reduces, or hinders the individual's ability to communicate; and

(2) a chemical restraint.

(b) A prone or supine hold shall not be used during a personal restraint. Should an individual become prone or supine during a restraint, then any staff member involved in administering the restraint shall immediately transition the individual to a side lying or other appropriate position.

(c) Neither restraint nor seclusion shall be used:

(1) as a means of discipline, retaliation, punishment, or coercion;

(2) for the purpose of convenience of staff members or other individuals; or

(3) as a substitute for effective treatment or habilitation.

(d) The use of seclusion is prohibited except in a behavioral emergency.

Source Note: The provisions of this §415.255 adopted to be effective July 22, 2014, 39 TexReg 5581