The use of seclusion and physical restraint on pupils in public schools

1. The pupil's behavior presents a clear, present, and immediate risk to the physical safety of the pupil or others and it is the least restrictive intervention available.

2. The seclusion lasts only as long as necessary to resolve the risk to physical safety.

3. A covered individual maintains constant supervision of the pupil.

4. The seclusion room or area is free of objects or fixtures that may injure the pupil.

5. The pupil has adequate access to bathroom facilities, drinking water, necessary medication, and meals.

6. No door connecting the seclusion room or area to other rooms or areas is capable of being locked.

A covered individual may use physical restraint on a pupil only if all of the following apply:

1. The pupil's behavior presents a clear, present, and immediate risk to the physical safety of the pupil or others and it is the least restrictive intervention available.

2. The degree of force used and the duration of the physical restraint do not exceed the degree and duration that are reasonable and necessary to resolve the risk.

3. There are no medical contraindications to the use of physical restraint.

4. None of the following maneuvers or techniques are used:

a. Those that do not give adequate attention and care to protecting the pupil's head.

b. Those that cause chest compression.

c. Those that place pressure or weight on the pupil's neck or throat 5. It does not constitute corporal punishment.

6. Neither mechanical nor chemical restraints are used.

Whenever seclusion or physical restraint is used on a pupil, the school principal must notify the pupil's parent and prepare a written report.

The bill generally prohibits a covered individual from using physical restraint on a pupil at school unless he or she has received training in the use of physical restraint that includes a number of specified components. A covered individual who has not received such training may use physical restraint on a pupil at school only in an emergency and only if a trained covered individual is not immediately available. The governing body of a public school in which physical restraint is used must ensure that at least one covered individual has been trained in its use.