MN HF1024

Physical holding or seclusion may only be used in emergencies and must be the least intrusive intervention that effectively responds to the emergency.

Schools must document each use of physical holding or seclusion including the incident description, why less restrictive measures failed, start and end times, and the child's behavioral and physical status.

Seclusion rooms must meet specific requirements including minimum dimensions of six feet by five feet, proper lighting and ventilation, observation windows, tamperproof fixtures, and doors with immediate release mechanisms.

Prone restraints are permitted with children age five or older until August 1, 2015, only if staff received specific training, incidents are reported to the department within five working days, and medical or psychological contraindications are reviewed beforehand.

$750,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2016 to the commissioner of education, with $500,000 for reimbursing districts for expert staff training and $250,000 for specialized training and assistance to high-use districts.