Restrictive Practices In the USA
What Are Restrictive Practices?
Examples of restrictive practices include:
- Physical Restraints: Physically limiting a person’s movement using manual force.
- Chemical Restraints: Administering medications to influence behavior, typically through sedation or alteration of the individual’s mental state.
- Seclusion: Isolating an individual in a separate room or area to prevent harm to themselves or others.
- Mechanical: Using devices, such as belts or vests, to prevent, restrict, or subdue a person’s movement.
- Environmental: Modifying the environment to limit a person’s access to certain areas or activities, such as locking doors.
What Are the Limitations of Restrictive Practices?
It is critical to recognize that the use of restrictive practices must always be a last resort. Alternatives that uphold the dignity and rights of individuals—such as positive behavioral supports, de-escalation techniques, and environmental modifications—should be explored first. Resolution Education, in partnership with U.S. government agencies, healthcare organizations, and professionals, is dedicated to minimizing the use of restrictive practices and promoting more positive, supportive approaches to behavior management. Federal and state regulations, including OSHA’s General Duty Clause and CMS standards, protect individual rights and ensure that any use of restrictive practices is lawful, justified, and subject to strict monitoring and reporting.
There are various guidelines around restrictive practices, and it is required that they are:
- Used only in limited circumstances and as a last resort.
- The least restrictive response possible to ensure the safety of all involved.
- Applied for the shortest possible duration to protect everyone’s well-being.
- Underpinned by a comprehensive Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP), aligned with individualized service plans under programs like HCBS waivers or IDEA.
Our Commitment
At Resolution Education, we are committed to empowering individuals and teams with the knowledge and skills to deliver the highest standard of care while minimizing the need for restrictive practices.
We prioritize building situational awareness, honing effective communication, and mastering de-escalation skills, alongside implementing a range of proactive strategies.
Our focus is on preventing escalation altogether, equipping participants with practical tools and techniques to handle challenging situations in compliance with U.S. regulations.
All our restrictive practices training and restraint training programs are delivered under the guidance of experienced, certified trainers who ensure adherence to federal (e.g., CMS, Joint Commission) and state regulations.
These sessions foster a deep understanding of restrictive practices, their ethical implications, and safe, harm-minimizing methods—tailored to high-risk sectors like behavioral health, long-term care, and special education.
Contact Us
Head Office
Minneapolis, Minnesota
2196 Lower Afton Rd #123
St. Paul, MN 55119, USA