Section 214-RICR-60-00-1.23 - Use of Physical Force/Corporal PunishmentA. Staff must avoid unnecessary physical contact with residents.B. No staff may use corporal punishment with any resident under any circumstance.1. Corporal punishment is the intentional infliction of physical pain as a method of changing behavior.2. Corporal punishment may include but is not limited to hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, pinching, shaking, use of objects or painful body postures.C. Physical force is used only when staff or resident is in imminent risk of serious bodily harm and no other option is available.1. To avoid the use of physical force, staff employ techniques demonstrated in Department training, including but not limited to verbal counseling or warning of the resident, putting physical distance between staff and resident and/or calling for assistance.2. If no other option is available, staff utilize a level of force which is less than or equal to that displayed by the resident.3. Staff desist from use of force as soon as the resident no longer presents the imminent threat of serious bodily harm.4. Residents involved in an incident receive immediate medical care and treatment.214 R.I. Code R. 214-RICR-60-00-1.23