D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, r. 5-A2816
The use of physical restraints is prohibited in all nonpublic special education schools and programs except when the intervention is necessary in emergency circumstances, as defined in this chapter, to protect the child or other person from imminent, serious physical harm and other less intrusive, non physical interventions have failed or been determined inappropriate.
Any physical restraint shall be applied only by nonpublic special education school or program personnel who are trained and certified in the appropriate use of specific, authorized techniques. Copies of those certifications shall be maintained on file at the nonpublic special education school or program.
The use of physical restraints shall be limited to the use of the least amount of force necessary and to the shortest time period necessary to protect the student or other person from imminent, serious physical harm. The restraint must end as soon as the student or other person is no longer in imminent danger. Nonpublic special education school or program personnel shall provide the student with an explanation of the behavior that resulted in the restraint and instructions on the behavior required to be released from the restraint. A member of the staff shall personally observe the student during the entire duration of the use of the restraint in order to assess the need for continued restraint.
Physical restraint is prohibited as a means of punishment or as a response to property destruction, disruption of school order, a student's refusal to comply with a nonpublic special education school or program rule or staff directive, or language that does not constitute a threat of imminent, serious physical harm.
No physical restraint shall be administered if the student has a medical or psychological condition contraindicative to restraint. No physical restraint shall be administered in such a way that the student's breathing or speaking is restricted. During the restraint, a staff member shall continuously monitor the physical status of the student, including skin color and respiration. The restraint shall be released immediately upon a determination by a staff member that the student or other person is no longer at risk of causing imminent, serious physical harm. A staff member shall continuously assess the student to determine if medical attention is required.
If the student uses sign language or an augmentative mode of primary communication, the student shall be permitted to have the student's hands free of restraint for brief periods, unless the staff member determines that such freedom appears likely to result in harm to self or others. The restraint must end as soon as the student is no longer at risk of causing imminent, serious physical harm.
[REPEALED]
A nonpublic special education school or program shall only use a chemical restraint on a District of Columbia student to the extent the chemical restraint is determined to be medically necessary. Any usage of a chemical restraint must be ordered by a physician, determined to be medically necessary, and administered in conformance with the student's medical treatment plan.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, r. 5-A2816