SECTION 748.2701. What are the additional responsibilities for implementing a mechanical restraint?

(a) Only commercially available devices specifically designed for the safe and comfortable restraint of humans may be used as mechanical restraints.

(b) Mechanical restraint devices must be inspected after each use to ensure that they are in good repair and are free from tears or protrusions that may cause injury. Damaged devices may not be used to restrain a child.

(c) There must be a protected, private, and observable environment or room that safeguards the child's personal dignity and well-being.

(d) Caregivers must continuously observe the child placed in mechanical restraint ensuring the child has adequate respiration, circulation, and overall well-being. This observation can take place through a window or a one-way mirror. The use of a video camera to continuously observe a child in mechanical restraint is not permitted. In addition to continual observation, a caregiver must check for circulation, skin color, and respiration at least every 15 minutes.

(e) You must notify a child's parent that mechanical restraint was used on the child within 72 hours after the restraint is concluded.

Source Note: The provisions of this §748.2701 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7377; amended to be effective February 7, 2017, 42 TexReg 488; transferred effective March 9, 2018, as published in the Texas Register February 16, 2018, 43 TexReg 909