FL H0081

Manual physical restraint on students with disabilities is permitted only in emergencies when there is imminent risk of serious injury or death, and only by certified personnel using district-approved techniques.

Seclusion is completely prohibited; time-out is allowed only when part of a functional behavioral intervention plan, occurs in a classroom setting, does not exceed 1 minute per year of age, and includes constant adult observation.

Thirteen specific restraint techniques are banned, including prone/supine restraint, choking, neck holds, chest compression, pain inducement, and mechanical restraint devices.

Schools must conduct medical evaluation after any restraint, report incidents to parents within 24 hours in writing, provide completed incident reports within 3 school days, and submit weekly documentation to the school principal, ESE director, and advocacy organizations.

School districts must develop policies addressing training and certification procedures, authorized personnel, incident reporting, data collection, and ongoing reduction of restraint use, with all policies filed by January 31, 2011.