1. (a) A chemical restraint is a drug used to control acute, episodic behavior that restricts the movement or function of a child. A drug ordered by a licensed physician as part of ongoing medical treatment, or as pretreatment prior to a medical or dental examination or treatment, is not a chemical restraint.
2. (b) Administration of a chemical restraint is prohibited except for the administration of drugs ordered by a licensed physician and administered by licensed/certified/registered medical personnel on an emergency basis.

3. (c) If a chemical restraint is to be administered as specified in subsection (b), the following apply:

   1. (1) Immediately prior to each incidence of administering a drug on an emergency basis, a licensed physician shall have examined the child and given a written order to administer the drug.
   2. (2) Immediately prior to each readministration of a drug on an emergency basis, a licensed physician shall have examined the child and ordered readministration of the drug.

4. (d) If a chemical restraint is administered as specified in subsection (c), the following apply:

   1. (1) The child’s vital signs shall be monitored at least once each hour and in accordance with the frequency and duration recommended and documented by the prescribing physician.
   2. (2) The physical needs of the child shall be met promptly.
5. (e) A Pro Re Nata (PRN) order for controlling acute, episodic behavior is prohibited.
6. (f) Documentation of compliance with subsections (b)—(e) shall be kept in the child’s record.

Cross References

This section cited in 55 Pa. Code § 3800.171 (relating to safe transportation).