Inmates exhibiting behavior indicating that they are a danger to themselves or others shall be managed in such a way as to minimize the threat of injury or harm. If restraints are determined to be necessary, they shall be used in a humane manner, only for the prevention of injury, and not as a punitive measure.

1. (1) The decision to apply restraints shall be made by supervisory or medical personnel. Appropriate staff should assess the inmate's medical condition.
2. (2) Restraints should restrict movement of an inmate only to the degree necessary to avoid injurious behavior. Soft or padded restraints should be used when feasible. Inmates shall not be restrained in a position or manner that would exacerbate any physical infirmities.
3. (3) A documented observation of the inmate shall be conducted every 15 minutes, at a minimum. The observations should include an assessment of the security of the restraints and the circulation to the extremities.
4. (4) The inmate should receive medical care a minimum of every 2 hours, to include changing position, exercising extremities, offering nourishment and liquids, offering toilet facilities, checking for medication needs, and taking vital signs. These checks shall be documented.
5. (5) Documentation of use of restraints shall include, but not be limited to the following: the events leading up to the need for restraints, the time the restraints were applied, the justification for their use, observations of the inmate's behavior and condition, the 15-minute checks and the time the restraints were removed.
6. (6) Restraints shall be removed from an inmate at the earliest possible time that the inmate no longer exhibits behavior necessitating restraint. In no case shall an inmate be kept in restraints longer than 24 hours.

Source Note:The provisions of this §273.6 adopted to be effective June 25, 2000, 25 TexReg 5917.