Section 415.255 - [Effective until 12/13/2024] Prohibited and Restricted Practices(a) The following practices are prohibited: (1) a personal or mechanical restraint shall not be used that: (A) obstructs the individual's airway, including a procedure that places anything in, on, or over the individual's mouth or nose;(B) impairs the individual's breathing, including applying pressure to the individual's torso or neck;(C) restricts circulation;(D) secures an individual to a stationary object while the individual is in a standing position;(E) causes pain to restrict an individual's movement (pressure points or joint locks); and(F) inhibits, reduces, or hinders the individual's ability to communicate; and(2) a chemical restraint.(b) A prone or supine hold shall not be used during a personal restraint. Should an individual become prone or supine during a restraint, then any staff member involved in administering the restraint shall immediately transition the individual to a side lying or other appropriate position.(c) Neither restraint nor seclusion shall be used: (1) as a means of discipline, retaliation, punishment, or coercion;(2) for the purpose of convenience of staff members or other individuals; or(3) as a substitute for effective treatment or habilitation.(d) The use of seclusion is prohibited except in a behavioral emergency.25 Tex. Admin. Code § 415.255
The provisions of this §415.255 adopted to be effective July 22, 2014, 39 TexReg 5581