1. (a) Safety and maintenance.

   1. (1) Only commercially available mechanical restraint devices designed specifically for the safe and relatively comfortable use of restraint may be used. The director must approve any modifications to a mechanical restraint to accommodate an individual's specific physical needs.
   2. (2) Staff must inspect a mechanical device before and after each use to ensure that the device is in good repair and without tears or protrusions that may cause injury. Staff must have a damaged mechanical device repaired before it can be used to restrain an individual.
   3. (3) Staff must ensure that a mechanical device is applied correctly.

2. (b) Prohibited devices. The following mechanical devices may not be used:

   1. (1) metal wrist or ankle cuffs;
   2. (2) rubber bands, ropes, and cords, unless part of an approved device;
   3. (3) long ties and leashes, including halter leashes;
   4. (4) restraining sheets attached to any stationary object other than a bed;
   5. (5) padlocks;
   6. (6) papoose or restraint boards;
   7. (7) restraint chairs;
   8. (8) camisoles;
   9. (9) transport jackets;
   10. (10) strait jackets; and
   11. (11) barred enclosures with tops, including crib-style beds with mesh tops.

Source Note:The provisions of this §967.29 adopted to be effective May 16, 2013, 38 TexReg 2841; transferred effective July 31, 2024, as published in the July 5, 2024, issue of the Texas Register, 49 TexReg 4927.