Effective 11/01/2018, LBAs have been added to the list of people who can conduct and assessment that would allow restraint or time out to be in a behavioral treatment plan. Please note that plans that include restraint or time out must be submitted to an IRC (independent review committee) prior to implementation. If you need help finding one of these or want to start your own, please contact VABA at admin@virginiaaba.org
Here is a link to the information on Town Hall
Below is the code language. These regulations apply to those receiving services from providers licensed, funded, or operated by DBHDS (the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services).
12VAC35-115-105. Behavioral treatment plans.
A. A behavioral treatment plan is used to assist an individual to improve participation in normal activities and conditions of everyday living, reduce challenging behaviors, alleviate symptoms of psychopathology, and maintain a safe and orderly environment.
B. Providers may use individualized restrictions such as restraint or time out in a behavioral treatment plan to address challenging behaviors that present an immediate danger to the individual or others, but only after a licensed professional or licensed behavior analyst has conducted a detailed and systematic assessment of the behavior and the situations in which the behavior occurs. Providers shall document in the individual’s services record that the lack of success or probable success of less restrictive procedures attempted or considered, and the risks associated with not treating the behavior, are greater than any risks associated with the use of the proposed restrictions.
C. Providers shall develop any behavioral treatment plan according to their policies and procedures, which shall ensure that:
1. Behavioral treatment plans are initiated, developed, carried out, and monitored by professionals who are qualified by expertise, training, education, or credentials to do so;
2. Behavioral treatment plans include nonrestrictive procedures and environmental modifications that address the targeted behavior; and
3. Behavioral treatment plans involving the use of restraint or timeout are submitted to an independent review committee, prior to implementation, for review and approval of the technical adequacy of the plan and data collection procedures.
D. In addition to any other requirements of 42 CFR 483.440(f)(3), providers that are intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities shall submit any behavioral treatment plan that involves the use of restraint or time out, and its independent review committee approval, to the SCC under 42 CFR 483.440(f)(3) for the SCC’s approval prior to implementation.
E. Providers other than intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities shall submit any behavioral treatment plan that involves the use of restraint or time out, and its independent review committee approval, to the LHRC, which shall determine whether the plan is in accordance with this chapter prior to implementation.
F. If either the LHRC or SCC finds that the behavioral treatment plan violates the rights of the individual or is not being implemented in accordance with this chapter, the LHRC or SCC shall notify the director and provide recommendations regarding the proposed plan.
G. Behavioral treatment plans involving the use of restraint or time out shall be reviewed quarterly by the independent review committee and the LHRC or SCC to determine if the use of restraint has resulted in improvements in functioning of the individual.
H. Providers shall not use seclusion in a behavioral treatment plan.