Standard or Definition

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NEBRASKA

Standard or Definition NEBRASKA HEALTH AND YOUTH REHABILITATION AND
MANUAL LETTER # 69-98 As of November 10, 1998

Restraint Definition Mechanical restraint is not defined, but excluded as a form of punishment. Physical restraint is not mentioned.

Restraint Exclusions None.

Chemical Restraint Definition Not defined, but excluded as a form of punishment.

Seclusion Definition No definition provided. Referred to as “room restriction.”

Seclusion Exclusions None.

Criteria for Restraint and Seclusion
·         Written procedures which specify that room restrictions for minor misbehavior are for a short period of time for “cooling off” -- fifteen (15) to sixty (60) minutes -- specified at the time of assignment.

·         When confinement or segregation of the youth is necessary for safety and

security reasons or as disciplinary detention, the following shall apply:

        - A youth may be confined for a period of up to 24 hours when charged

with a major rule violation requiring confinement for the safety of the youth, or to ensure the security of the facility. Confinement for periods of over 24 hours shall be

reviewed by the administrator or designee who was not involved in the incident.

        - Written procedures shall specify that youth placed in confinement are afforded living conditions and privileges approximating those available to the general population. Exception shall be justified by clear and substantial evidence.

·         There shall be a sanctioning schedule which sets a maximum of 5 days of confinement in a security room for any offense. The time a youth spends in disciplinary segregation shall be proportionate to the offense committed.

Monitoring Requirements
·         During the period of room restriction, contact shall be made with the youth in an effort to solve any problems, and to determine release. Contact shall be made with the youth at least every 15 minutes depending on the youth’s emotional state.

·         Youths placed in confinement shall be visually observed by staff at least every 15 minutes. Furthermore, they shall be visited at least once every day by personnel from administrative, clinical, counseling, religious or medical units.

Ordering and Initiation
·         The center shall have written procedures which require that prior to room restriction, the youth has the reasons for the restriction explained and has the opportunity to explain the behavior leading to the restriction.

In-person Assessment None.

Debriefing None.

Family & Guardian Notification None.

Notification of Rights and Restraint and Seclusion Policies and Procedures at admission None.

Training
None.

Documentation
·         A log shall be kept stating: date and time confinement began; who authorized confinement; all persons visiting the youth; the person authorizing release from confinement; and the date and time of release. Written documentation shall also be maintained to include the youth behavior and activity while in restriction, date and time of each visual check, and initials of person conducting the check.

·         Written procedures shall require that a permanent log be maintained of all youths assigned to room confinement or segregation.

Reporting None.

Quality Improvement None.

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