Texas SB 41, which was passed on June 17, 2011, effective immediately, relates to the use of restraints in state-supported living centers. The bill contains the following requirements:
 

  • a mechanical or physical restraint is not administered to a resident of a state supported living center unless the restraint is:  (A) necessary to prevent imminent physical injury to the resident or another; and (B) the least restrictive restraint effective to prevent imminent physical injury;

  • the administration of a mechanical or physical restraint to a resident of a state supported living center ends immediately once the imminent risk of physical injury abates; and 

  • a mechanical or physical restraint is not administered to a resident of a state supported living center as punishment or as part of a behavior plan;

  • a person may not issue a standing order to administer on an as-needed basis mechanical or physical restraints to a resident of a state supported living center;

  • a person may not administer mechanical or physical restraints to a resident of a state supported living center pursuant to a standing order to administer restraints on an as-needed basis;

  • a person may not use a straitjacket to restrain a resident of a state supported living center;

  • a state supported living center shall report to the executive commissioner each incident in which a physical or mechanical restraint is administered to a resident of a state supported living center.
     

 Click here for more information about the bill.

We can help you meet the Texas requirements!
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 Texas, and an on-site training option is also available.