1. A. The following actions are prohibited in the public elementary and secondary schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia:

   1. 1. Use of mechanical restraints.
   2. 2. Use of pharmacological restraints.
   3. 3. Use of aversive stimuli.
   4. 4. Use of prone restraints (i.e. lying face down) or any other restraints that restrict a student's breathing or harm the student.
   5. 5. Use of seclusion that restricts a student's breathing or harms the student.
   6. 6. Use of physical restraint or seclusion as (i) punishment or discipline; (ii) a means of coercion or retaliation; (iii) a convenience; or (iv) to prevent property damage, or in any manner other than as provided in 8VAC20-750-40 and 8VAC20-750-50.
   7. 7. Use of corporal punishment.
   8. 8. Use of seclusion rooms or freestanding units not meeting the standards set forth in this chapter.
   9. 9. Use of restraint or seclusion when medically or psychologically contraindicated as stated in documentation by the IEP team, the student's Section 504 team, school professionals, or by a licensed physician, psychologist, or other qualified health professional under the scope of the professional's authority.
2. B. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit physical restraint or seclusion under the conditions outlined in 8VAC20-750-40 and 8VAC20-750-50.

Statutory Authority

§ 22.1-16 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 36, Issue 24, eff. January 1, 2021.