Physical restraint is not appropriate during any service provided to SoonerCare clients under the Autism Services benefit except in emergency instances of threat of physical harm to the child/youth or others around them. If restraint is used, it may only occur under the following circumstances and according to the processes outlined below.

1. (1) Physical restraint may only be implemented by a person trained in the type of restraint being implemented. The training must be documented in the personnel file.
2. (2) Restraint must be limited to the use of such reasonable force as is necessary to address the emergency.
3. (3) Restraint must be discontinued at the point at which the emergency no longer exists.
4. (4) Restraint must be implemented in such a way as to protect the health and safety of the child/youth and others.
5. (5) Restraint must not deprive the child/youth of basic human necessities.
6. (6) Documentation must be kept of the up-to-date training for all staff members involved and of each incident that resulted in restraint.
7. (7) Documentation must be kept identifying the reason, start time/end time, the staff signature, and credentials of who performed the restraint, and date.
8. (8) A phone call to the parent or guardian must be reported immediately if an injury occurs and documented in the record.
9. (9) In the event of death or serious injury (i.e., bruising, scratches, etc.), the OHCA critical incident reporting form must be submitted to OHCA no later than 5:00 p.m. Central time the following business day.

<div>Added at 42 Ok Reg, Number 6, effective 10-25-24 (emergency)</div>

Added at 42 Ok Reg, Number 21, effective 9-1-25