(a) An employee of the office, a person who contracts
with the office, or an employee of that contractor may use mechanical
or chemical restraints on a committed person residing in a civil commitment
center or while transporting a committed person who resides in a civil
commitment center. Mechanical and chemical restraints may be utilized
in the following circumstances:
(1) The use of mechanical or chemical restraints is
a last resort;
(2) The use of mechanical or chemical restraints is
necessary to stop or prevent:
(A) imminent physical injury to the committed person
or another;
(B) threatening behavior by the committed person while
the person is using or exhibiting a weapon;
(C) a disturbance by a group of committed persons;
(D) or an absconsion from the civil commitment center;
and
(3) The mechanical or chemical restraint utilized is
the least restrictive restraint necessary and used for the minimum
duration necessary.
(b) An employee of the office, a person who contracts
with the office, or an employee of the office is only authorized to
use mechanical or chemical restraints if the individual completes
a training program approved by the office which includes instruction
regarding approved restraint techniques, de-escalation practices,
and demonstrates competency in the use of restraint techniques and
devices.
(c) The office shall maintain records regarding each
use of mechanical or chemical restraints.
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