Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 65G-8.006 - Limitations on Use and Duration of Reactive Strategies

(1) All authorizations for a reactive strategy must include a clear rationale for its use.

(2) Reactive strategies must not be implemented automatically or as part of a deceleration plan for undesirable behaviors, as punishment, as a substitute for an implementation plan, or for the convenience of staff.

(3) At the onset of seclusion or restraint implementation, staff will notify the appropriate authorizing agent of the conditions leading up to the use of the reactive strategy. The authorizing agent is responsible for terminating any procedure not in compliance with this rule.

(4) Each use of a reactive strategy requires continuous staff monitoring.

(5) A reactive strategy must provide for the least possible restriction consistent with its purpose.

(6) A reactive strategy must be terminated immediately when the emergency ends.

(7) Reactive strategies must be implemented in a manner that permits the greatest possible amount of comfort and protection from injury to the individual.

(8) The Agency may disapprove the use of any emergency procedure, system, strategy, or program that does not meet the above requirements or that contains procedures the Agency determines to be unsafe.

(9) If an individual exhibits behavior requiring a reactive strategy at a frequency of more than two times in any thirty-day period, or six times in any twelve-month period, then the facility or provider should submit a request for behavior analysis services for that individual, including documentation of the frequency of reactive strategy use.

(10) The facility or provider must provide written behavioral criteria for termination of a reactive strategy, conforming to the Agency-approved emergency procedure curriculum, to all staff trained in those techniques.

(11) Reactive strategies must be terminated within five minutes after predetermined behavioral criteria have been met. Providers and facilities may seek an exemption from this requirement through the variance and waiver process authorized by Section 120.542, F.S.

(12) Reactive strategies must be limited to one hour in duration; additional time for a reactive strategy requires reauthorization.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 65G-8.006

Rulemaking Authority 393.501, 393.13(4)(h)2., 916.1093(2) FS. Law Implemented 393.13(4)(h), 916.1093(2) FS.

New 8-7-08.

New 8-7-08.