Section 840. Requirements for seclusion room

A. The room used for seclusion shall meet the design requirements for buildings used for detention or seclusion of individuals.

B. The seclusion room shall be at least six feet wide and six feet long with a minimum ceiling height of eight feet.

C. The seclusion room shall be free of all protrusions, sharp corners, hardware, fixtures or other devices which may cause injury to the individual.

D. Windows in the seclusion room shall be so constructed as to minimize breakage and otherwise prevent the individual from harming himself.

E. Light fixtures and other electrical receptacles in the seclusion room shall be recessed or so constructed as to prevent the individual from harming himself. Light controls shall be located outside the seclusion room.

F. Doors to the seclusion room shall be at least 32 inches wide, shall open outward and shall contain observation view panels of transparent wire glass or its approved equivalent, not exceeding 120 square inches but of sufficient size for someone outside the door to see into all corners of the room.

G. The seclusion room shall contain only a mattress with a washable mattress covering designed to avoid damage by tearing.

H. The seclusion room shall maintain temperatures appropriate for the season.

I. All space in the seclusion room shall be visible through the locked door, either directly or by mirrors.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 05, eff. December 7, 2011.

Statutory Authority

§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.