FL S1170

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.

Prohibits seclusion entirely and bans specific restraint techniques including prone restraint, choking, pressure on chest/neck, mechanical restraint, and techniques causing pain or hyperextension of joints.

Requires medical evaluation of students after restraint, parent notification before end of school day, incident reports within 24 hours, and provision of completed reports to parents within 3 school days.

Mandates annual refresher certification training for all staff authorized to use restraint, including instruction on de-escalation, medical emergencies, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Requires school districts to develop policies addressing allowable restraint use, authorized personnel, training procedures, data analysis, and plans to reduce restraint use, with revisions filed with the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services.