12VAC35-105-800. Policies and procedures on behavior interventions and supports.
A. The provider shall implement written policies and procedures that describe the use of behavior interventions, including seclusion, restraint, and time out. The policies and procedures shall:
1. Be consistent with applicable federal and state laws and regulations;
2. Emphasize positive approaches to behavior interventions;
3. List and define behavior interventions in the order of their relative degree of intrusiveness or restrictiveness and the conditions under which they may be used in each service for each individual;
4. Protect the safety and well-being of the individual at all times, including during fire and other emergencies;
5. Specify the mechanism for monitoring the use of behavior interventions; and
6. Specify the methods for documenting the use of behavior interventions.
B. Employees and contractors trained in behavior support interventions shall implement and monitor all behavior interventions.
C. Policies and procedures related to behavior interventions shall be available to individuals, their families, authorized representatives, and advocates. Notification of policies does not need to occur in correctional facilities.
D. Individuals receiving services shall not discipline, restrain, seclude, or implement behavior interventions on other individuals receiving services.
E. Injuries resulting from or occurring during the implementation of seclusion or restraint shall be reported to the department as provided in 12VAC35-115-230 C.
Statutory Authority
§§ 37.2-302 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 24, eff. September 18, 2003; Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2020.
12VAC35-105-810. Behavioral treatment plan.
A written behavioral treatment plan may be developed as part of the individualized services plan in response to behavioral needs identified through the assessment process. A behavioral treatment plan may include restrictions only if the plan has been developed according to procedures outlined in the human rights regulations. A behavioral treatment plan shall be developed, implemented, and monitored by employees or contractors trained in behavioral treatment.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-820. Prohibited actions.
The following actions shall be prohibited:
1. Prohibition of contacts and visits with the individual's attorney, probation officer, placing agency representative, minister or chaplain;
2. Any action that is humiliating, degrading, or abusive;
3. Subjection to unsanitary living conditions;
4. Deprivation of opportunities for bathing or access to toilet facilities except as ordered by a licensed physician for a legitimate medical purpose and documented in the individual's record;
5. Deprivation of appropriate services and treatment;
6. Deprivation of health care;
7. Administration of laxatives, enemas, or emetics except as ordered by a physician or other professional acting within the scope of his license for a legitimate medical purpose and documented in the individual's record;
8. Applications of aversive stimuli except as permitted pursuant to other applicable state regulations;
9. Limitation on contacts with regulators, advocates or staff attorneys employed by the department or the Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy.
10. Deprivation of drinking water or food necessary to meet an individual's daily nutritional needs except as ordered by a licensed physician for a legitimate medical purpose and documented in the individual's record;
11. Prohibition on contacts or visits with family or an authorized representative except as permitted by other applicable state regulations or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction;
12. Delay or withholding of incoming or outgoing mail except as permitted by other applicable state and federal regulations or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction; and
13. Deprivation of opportunities for sleep or rest except as ordered by a licensed physician for a legitimate medical purpose and documented in the individual's record.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-830. Seclusion, restraint, and time out.
A. The use of seclusion, restraint, and time out shall comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations and be consistent with the provider's policies and procedures.
B. Devices used for mechanical restraint shall be designed specifically for emergency behavior management of human beings in clinical or therapeutic programs.
C. Application of time out, seclusion, or restraint shall be documented in the individual's record and include the following:
1. Physician's order for seclusion or mechanical restraint or chemical restraint;
2. Date and time;
3. Employees or contractors involved;
4. Circumstances and reasons for use including other emergency behavior management techniques attempted;
5. Duration;
6. Type of technique used; and
7. Outcomes, including documentation of debriefing of the individual and staff involved following the incident.
Statutory Authority
§§ 37.2-302 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2020.
12VAC35-105-840. Requirements for seclusion room.
A. The room used for seclusion shall meet the design requirements for buildings used for detention or seclusion of individuals.
B. The seclusion room shall be at least six feet wide and six feet long with a minimum ceiling height of eight feet.
C. The seclusion room shall be free of all protrusions, sharp corners, hardware, fixtures or other devices which may cause injury to the individual.
D. Windows in the seclusion room shall be so constructed as to minimize breakage and otherwise prevent the individual from harming himself.
E. Light fixtures and other electrical receptacles in the seclusion room shall be recessed or so constructed as to prevent the individual from harming himself. Light controls shall be located outside the seclusion room.
F. Doors to the seclusion room shall be at least 32 inches wide, shall open outward and shall contain observation view panels of transparent wire glass or its approved equivalent, not exceeding 120 square inches but of sufficient size for someone outside the door to see into all corners of the room.
G. The seclusion room shall contain only a mattress with a washable mattress covering designed to avoid damage by tearing.
H. The seclusion room shall maintain temperatures appropriate for the season.
I. All space in the seclusion room shall be visible through the locked door, either directly or by mirrors.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-850. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-860. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.