Section 1100. Room confinement and isolation

A. Written procedures shall govern how and when residents may be confined to a locked room for both segregation and isolation purposes.

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 often if indicated by the circumstances. Staff shall conduct a check at least every 15 minutes in accordance with approved procedures when the resident is on suicide watch.

C. Residents who are confined to a 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 documented.

D. If a resident is confined to his room for any reason for more than 24 hours, the facility administrator or designee shall be notified.

E. If the confinement extends to more than 72 hours, the (i) confinement and (ii) steps being taken or planned to resolve the situation shall be immediately reported to the director or designee. 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. Room confinement, including isolation or administrative confinement, shall not exceed five consecutive days except when ordered by a medical provider.

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

H. The facility administrator or designee shall make personal contact with each resident who is confined to a locked room, including being placed in isolation, each day of confinement.

I. During isolation, the resident is not permitted to participate in activities with other residents and all activities are restricted, with the exception of (i) eating, (ii) sleeping, (iii) personal hygiene, (iv) reading, and (v) writing.

Historical Notes

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

Statutory Authority

§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.