Section 1140. Room confinement

A. Written procedures shall govern how and when residents may be confined to a locked room.

B. Whenever a resident is confined to a locked room, including but not limited to being placed in isolation, staff shall check the resident visually at least every 30 minutes and more frequently if indicated by the circumstances.

C. Residents who are confined to a locked room, including but not limited to being placed in isolation, shall be afforded the opportunity for at least one hour of physical exercise, outside of the locked room, every calendar day unless the resident's behavior or other circumstances justify an exception. The reasons for any such exception shall be approved in accordance with written procedures and documented.

D. If a resident is confined to a locked room for more than 24 hours, the superintendent or designee shall be notified.

E. If the confinement extends to more than 72 hours, the (i) confinement and (ii) the steps being taken or planned to resolve the situation shall be immediately reported to the department staff, in a position above the level of superintendent, as designated in written procedures. If this report is made verbally, it shall be followed immediately with a written, faxed, or secure email report in accordance with written procedures.

F. The superintendent or designee shall make personal contact with each resident who is confined to a locked room each day of confinement.

G. When confined to a room, the resident shall have a means of communication with staff, either verbally or electronically.

H. If the resident, after being confined to a locked room, exhibits self-injurious behavior (i) staff shall immediately consult with, and document that they have consulted with, a mental health professional; and (ii) the resident shall be monitored in accordance with established protocols, including constant supervision, if appropriate.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.

Statutory Authority

§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.