Seclusion and Restraint

POLICY:

It is the policy of Mid-Ohio Psychological Services to not use Mechanical Restraint, Seclusion, Physical Restraint, Major Aversive Behavioral Interventions, or Minor Aversive Interventions as defined by the Ohio Department of Mental Health Administrative Code 5122-26-16 (C).

PROCEDURES:
If a client evidences disruptive or inappropriate behavior the client will be redirected to more appropriate behavior. If the behavior persists, the client will be asked to leave the agency’s premises until they are able to more appropriately manage their behavior.

If the client does not de-escalate their behavior or do not leave the premises, local law enforcement personnel are to be summoned.If a client evidences suicidal/homicidal ideation, the client must be assessed for lethality. If the client can not be stabilized, arrangements must be made for the client to be transported to the local Emergency Services agency for assessment for hospitalization. If safe private transportation can not be secured then local law enforcement must be called. If the client is to be transported to the local Emergency Services agency, then that agency is to be contacted by phone and notified of the client’s situation.

If a client evidences a threat to harm others or damage property, a Duty To Warn assessment must be completed.  If an eminent risk is determined to exist, local law enforcement are to be called immediately, the person who is likely to be victimized is to be contacted, and a Major Unusual Incident form is to be completed.

In no case is a client to be restrained or prevented from leaving the agency premises.

In no case will a counselor or staff member strike a client, prospective client, client’s family member or client’s significant other.

Counselors may instruct others (such as parents or caretakers) in the use of behavioral intervention within their scope of practice to aid in the therapeutic process, however, counselors may not personally utilize behavioral interventions with clients.