Idaho Admin. Code r. 16.04.18.460

Current through September 2, 2024
Section 16.04.18.460 - SECLUSION

Seclusion rooms must be equipped with break-resistant windows, and a mirror or camera that allows for full observation of the room. Rooms used for seclusion must be inspected and approved by a fire inspector annually. If an organization uses seclusion there must be policies and procedures, which include:

01.Seclusion. Seclusion will not be used as punishment or to substitute for other developmentally appropriate positive methods of behavior management. Seclusion may only be used as a means of intervention when the child's behavior is so violent or disruptive that it presents a high risk of physical or emotional harm to self or others, and less restrictive and less punitive interventions have been applied without success.
02.Time Needed. Seclusion must be used only for the time needed to change the behavior compelling it.
03.Seclusion Duration. For children under six (6) years old, the period is not to exceed one (1) minute for each year of the child's age and is used as a supplement to, not a substitute for, other developmentally appropriate positive methods of behavior management. For children six (6) years old and older the time duration cannot exceed sixty (60) consecutive minutes.
04.Restrictions on Seclusion. Seclusion must not be in a box, closet, bathroom, unfinished basement, or attic. Except for a licensing-approved bedroom, a seclusion room cannot be used as a sleeping room, and temporary beds or mattresses in these areas are not allowed.
05.Staff Supervision. A staff is designated to be responsible for visually observing the child at random intervals, which are not to exceed fifteen (15) minutes throughout the period of seclusion, and must be recorded in a log.
06.Supervisory Approval. Supervisory approval is required when the total seclusion time for one (1) child exceeds three (3) hours in a twenty-four (24) hour period, or more than four (4) separate seclusion incidents in a twenty-four (24) hour period.
07.Documentation. Each seclusion must be documented in writing and include the child's name, a description in sufficient details of the incident that resulted in the child being placed in seclusion, staff's attempts to help the child avoid seclusion, the date, start and end time of the seclusion, and the staff assigning the seclusion.
08.Reintroduction. The child is reintroduced to the group in a sensitive and nonpunitive manner as soon as they can participate appropriately.
09.Review. If there are more than five (5) seclusions for a child in a twenty-four (24) hour period, there must be a documented review. The review is to determine whether modifications to the child's service plan are warranted or whether staff needs additional training in alternative therapeutic behavior management techniques or disciplinary action. Appropriate action must be taken based on the findings of the review.

Idaho Admin. Code r. 16.04.18.460

Effective April 6, 2023