Library: Policy

340:110-3-154.2. Behavior management

Revised 9-14-24

(a) Behavior management policy.  Behavior management policy includes:

(1) the program's behavior management goals and purposes;

(2) behavior management methods;

(3) personnel authorized to administer the behavior management policy; and

(4) behavior management monitoring and documentation methods .

(b) Prohibitions.  Except as otherwise authorized , per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:110-3-168 and 340:110-3-169, program policy prohibits:

(1) behaviors that could cause physical pain, such as shaking, striking, spanking, grabbing, yanking, pulling, pushing, choking, threatening, or other cruel treatment;

(2) threatening, harsh, humiliating, cruel, abusive, or degrading language;

(3) making or allowing derogatory or sarcastic remarks regarding a resident or his or her family, race, gender, religion, or cultural background;

(4) food, water, or sleep denial;

(5)  work tasks  degrading, unnecessary, or inappropriate to the  resident's age and ability;

(6) denial of private familial and significant other contact, including visits, phone calls, and mail, as  punishment;

(7) chemical agent use, including tear gas, mace, or similar agents;

(8) seclusion;

(9) extreme  or excessive exercise or forced physical punishment;

(10) residents disciplining other residents;

(11) chemical restraint;

(12) mechanical restraint;

(13)  punishing an entire resident group due to the actions of one or a few residents;

(14) violating a  resident's rights, per OAC 340:110-3-154.1; and

(15) enticing or allowing residents to engage in verbal or physical altercation.

(c) Separation.  A resident  may be removed from the group or group activity as behavior management.  The resident remains alone, but within adult hearing, in an unlocked, safe, clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated area.  The separation does not exceed one hour.

(d) Physical restraint.  Restraint is used only when less restrictive interventions, per program policy, were attempted or when an immediate intervention is required to protect the resident, a personnel member, or others.  The restraint technique used must be the least restrictive intervention that is effective to protect the resident or others from harm.  Restraint is discontinued at the earliest possible time.  A written incident report is completed within 24-hours following each physical restraint use.