Summary
Indiana HB 1529 would require schools to include provisions regarding the use of restraint and seclusion, such as parental notification, training, and other reporting. Some staff members will be required to receive training in the use of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). If passed, this bill will come into compliance on July 1, 2011.
Excerpt:
Sec. 8. A school staff member may not use any of the following:
(1) A physical restraint technique that obstructs a student's respiratory airway or impairs the student's breathing or respiratory capacity, including a technique in which a school staff member places pressure on a student's back or places the staff member's body weight against the student's torso or back.
(2) A pillow, blanket, or other item covering the student's face as part of a physical restraint.
(3) An improvised restraint device, such as a sheet or belt.
(4) A physical restraint on a student who has a known medical, psychological, or physical condition if there is reason to believe that the use of the physical restraint would endanger the student's life or seriously exacerbate the medical, psychological, or physical condition of the student. A medical, psychological, or physical condition under this subdivision includes a history of trauma or abuse, obesity, an agitated or excited syndrome, a preexisting heart disease, and a respiratory condition, including bronchitis or asthma.
(5) Placement of a student in a face-down position with the student's hands held or restrained behind the student's back.
(6) Physical restraint as an extended procedure beyond the immediate emergency.
Sec. 9. A school staff member may use physical restraint only if all of the following conditions are met:
(1) It is an emergency situation, and physical restraint is required to prevent imminent serious physical harm to the student, staff, or others.
(2) The school staff member has determined that less restrictive alternatives and other positive behavior intervention supports are ineffective.
(3) A school staff member is continuously present and keeps the student under constant face-to-face observation for signs of distress or difficulty breathing.
(4) The school staff member applying the restraint is a qualified staff member trained in positive behavior intervention and support, including the following:
(A) Evidence based techniques shown to be effective in the prevention and safe use of physical restraint and seclusion.
(B) Evidence based skill training that is related to positive behavior intervention support.
(C) Conflict prevention.
(D) De-escalation and conflict management.
(E) First aid.
(F) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Sec. 14. A school staff member authorized to impose physical restraint or seclusion under this chapter must successfully complete a basic or inservice course of education and training in positive behavior intervention and support that is certified by the state board in conjunction with any other appropriate entity determined by the state board.
Sec. 15. The state board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 for the following:
(1) Standards for continuing education and training for qualified staff members.
(2) Mandatory training and continuing education requirements for qualified staff members.
Read Indiana HB 1529 in full.
CPI Training Can Help!
Our Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® training program techniques have been shown to be effective in both the prevention of and the safe use of physical restraint and seclusion. Our evidence-based program is designed to equip your staff with methods for identifying and understanding the underlying causes of the student behaviors that can lead to restraint or seclusion. The training focuses on prevention and de-escalation techniques and other alternatives to restraint and seclusion, as well as using safe, less-restrictive physical interventions only as a last resort.
Our training can be tailored to the unique needs of your school or district. With our train-the-trainer option, select staff can be certified to teach the program to other staff on a continuing basis. We also offer specialized materials to help you center your trainings around a comprehensive PBIS plan to decrease problem behavior and promote positive behavior choices.
We have numerous public programs coming to Indiana, and an on-site training option is also available.