Library: Policy

340:110-3-154.2. Behavior management

Revised 11-1-20

(a) Behavior management policy.  Behavior management policy includes:

(1) the program's behavior management goals and purposes;

(2) behavior management methods;

(3) personnel authorized to administer the behavior management policy; and

(4) behavior management monitoring and documentation methods policy.

(b) Prohibitions.  Except as otherwise authorized in Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:110-3-168 and 340:110-3-169, program policy prohibits:

(1) shaking, striking, spanking, or other cruel treatment;

(2) threatening, harsh, humiliating, cruel, abusive, or degrading language;

(3) food or sleep denial;

(4) degrading or unnecessary work tasks and inappropriate to the resident’s age and ability;

(5) denial of private familial and significant other contact, including visits, phone calls, and mail, as a means of punishment;

(6) chemical agent use, including tear gas, mace, or similar agents;

(7) seclusion;

(8) extreme physical exercise;

(9) residents disciplining other residents;

(10) chemical restraint;

(11) mechanical restraint;

(12) group punishment;

(13) violating a resident’s rights; and

(14) enticing residents to engage in verbal or physical altercation.

(c) Separation.  A resident can be removed from the group or group activity as behavior management.  The resident remains alone, but within adult hearing, in an unlocked, safe, clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated area.  The separation does not exceed one hour.

(d) Physical restraint.  Restraint is used only when less restrictive interventions, per program policy, were attempted or when an immediate intervention is required to protect the resident, a personnel member, or others. The restraint technique used must be the least restrictive intervention that is effective to protect the resident or others from harm.  Restraint is discontinued at the earliest possible time.  A written incident report is completed within 24-hours following each physical restraint use.