1. (a) Requirements.

   1. (1) Only the approved mechanical restraint devices shall be used by a facility.
   2. (2) Mechanical restraint devices shall only be used in a manner consistent with their intended use.
   3. (3) All mechanical restraint devices shall be inspected at least every 365 calendar days, with all faulty or malfunctioning devices restricted from use until they are repaired or replaced.

2. (b) Prohibitions.

   1. (1) Approved mechanical restraint devices shall not be altered from the manufacturer's design.
   2. (2) A resident shall not be placed in a prone position while restrained in any mechanical restraint for a period of time longer than necessary to apply the restraint device.
   3. (3) A mechanical restraint shall not secure a resident in a prone, supine, or lateral position with his or her arms and hands behind the resident's back and secured to the resident's legs.
   4. (4) Approved mechanical restraint devices shall not be secured so tightly as to interfere with circulation or so loosely as to cause chafing of the skin.
   5. (5) Approved mechanical restraint devices shall not be secured to a stationary object, except when complete immobilization is required by use of a four-point restraint or a restraint chair.
   6. (6) A resident in an approved mechanical restraint device shall not participate in any physical activity.
   7. (7) Plastic cuffs shall only be used in emergency situations.

Source Note:The provisions of this §343.810 adopted to be effective January 1, 2010, 34 TexReg 7095.