504.1 Methods of seclusion that may be prescribed pursuant to this chapter include the confinement of a consumer alone in a room or an area from which the consumer:

1. (a) Is physically prevented from leaving; or
2. (b) Believes he or she cannot leave at will.

504.2 Time out is not a form of restraint or seclusion. Time-out means a voluntary procedure used to assist consumers to regain emotional control by providing access to a quiet area or unlocked quiet room away from his or her immediate environment. A consumer who is physically prevented from leaving an area or led to believe he or she cannot leave an area at will is in seclusion, not in time out.

504.3 Seclusion is contraindicated for consumers who:

1. (a) Exhibit suicidal behaviors;
2. (b) Exhibit self-injurious behaviors; or
3. (c) Have certain medical conditions that preclude seclusion, as determined by a physician.

SOURCE: Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 8691 (September 3, 2004)[EXPIRED]; as amended by Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 11863 (December 31, 2004)[EXPIRED]; as amended by Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking published at 52 DCR 5957 (June 24, 2005)[EXPIRED]; as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 52 DCR 7229 (August 5, 2005).