SECTION 415.258. Actions to be Taken to Release from Restraint or Seclusion for an Emergency Medical Condition or Evacuation Emergency

(a) Emergency medical condition. If an individual experiences an emergency medical condition while in restraint or seclusion, the staff member providing continuous face-to-face observation of the individual or other staff member must release the individual from restraint or seclusion as soon as possible, as indicated by the emergency medical condition, and the medical condition shall be assessed and treated.

(1) The facility shall ensure that the individual's emergency medical condition is promptly addressed and that aid is rendered to the extent possible in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures for management of emergency medical conditions.

(2) Unlocking the seclusion room door or fully releasing the restraints ends the episode.

(3) If the situation continues to meet the criteria for a behavioral emergency after the individual's emergency medical condition is addressed, a staff member must obtain a new order for restraint or seclusion.

(b) Emergency evacuation. If an emergency evacuation or evacuation drill occurs while an individual is in restraint or seclusion, the staff member providing continuous face-to-face observation of the individual or other staff member must release the individual from restraint or seclusion as soon as possible, as indicated by the circumstances that prompted the emergency evacuation or the evacuation drill, and staff members shall implement the facility's established procedures to ensure the individual's safety.

Source Note: The provisions of this §415.258 adopted to be effective July 22, 2014, 39 TexReg 5581