Section 40.1-26-4.1 - Aversive interventions - ProhibitionsIt shall be unlawful for any agency to use prohibited aversive intervention techniques on a person with a developmental disability in the state of Rhode Island. The specific strategies to be prohibited within the context of behavioral treatment interventions include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Noxious, painful, intrusive stimuli or activities that result in pain;(2) Any form of noxious, painful, or intrusive spray or inhalant;(4) Water spray to the face;(5) Pinches and deep muscle squeezes;(6) Shouting, screaming, or using a loud, sharp, harsh voice to frighten or threaten or use of obscene language;(7) Withholding adequate sleep;(8) Withholding adequate shelter or bedding;(9) Withholding bathroom facilities;(10) Withholding meals, essential nutrition, or hydration;(11) Removal of an individual's personal property as punishment;(12) Unobserved time-out or room/area solely used for time out;(13) Facial or auditory screening devices; and(14) Use of chemical restraints instead of positive programs or medical treatments.R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-26-4.1