Cal. Code Regs. tit. 9 § 30989

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 30989 - Use of Mechanical Restraints

(a) Mechanical means of physical restraint may be used only under the following circumstances:

(1) When transporting a person between locations. However, a person who is being transported shall not be locked in any manner to any part of the transporting vehicle.

(2) When a person's present behavior, apparent emotional state, or other conditions present a reasonable likelihood that he or she may become violent or attempt to escape.

(3) When directed by medical staff, to prevent a person from attempting suicide or inflicting injury to himself or herself.

(b) Restraints shall not be:

(1) Used as punishment, retaliation or for disciplinary purposes.

(2) Placed around a person's neck.

(3) Applied in a way likely to cause undue physical discomfort or restrict blood flow or breathing; e.g., hog-tying.

(4) Used to secure a person to a fixed object unless directed by health care professional in a licensed clinical facility.

(5) Used to lift a ward.

(c) When mechanical restraint is required, handcuffs, alone or attached to a waist chain, will be the means of restraint normally used. However, additional mechanical restraint, including leg irons, additional chains, leather cuffs, or other specialized restraint equipment may be used when the circumstances indicate the need for the level of control that such devices will provide, and when applied by custodial staff who have received training in the proper use of such devices.

(d) Use of restraint equipment by direction of medical staff shall be fully documented in the institution medical file of the restrained ward.

(e) Only Division-approved restraints are authorized for use in a manner consistent with the manufacturer's instructions and this Use of Force Policy regarding the application and use of force.

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 9, § 30989

1. Change without regulatory effect renumbering title 15, section 4034.4 to title 9, section 30989 filed 2-13-2020 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2020, No. 7).

Note: Authority cited: Section 1712, Welfare and Institutions Code. Reference: Section 1752, Welfare and Institutions Code; and Sections 147 and 149, Penal Code.