Protective stabilizing device or restraint?

[can]

Does anyone know the difference between a protective stabilizing device and restraint used in the special needs classroom? Also, should teachers be applying and documenting on these since they are written as a physician order?

[noreenl]

A physical therapist is an excellent resource in this situation especially since any medical equipment or restraint used incorrectly is potentially an accident waiting to happen! If you google Restraints and seclusion of special needs kids you will get tons of information and links to legal sites to support any decision you make!

[bergren]

What a timely question given the attention this is getting at the federal level right now.

Arne Duncan, August 2009: http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/08/08032009a.html

USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-12-14-kidrestraint14_st_N.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/_ads/interstitial/2008/page/interstitial_new.htm?

I found this great powerpoint out of Wisconsin that explains the difference:

http://www.specialed.us/S&R/Presentation%20Seclusion%20and%20Restraint%20Sep%2008.pps

Since the nurses or therapists have to supervise the proper use of the stablizing devices, they should document that training and supervision / observation of the teachers and support personnel.

This is New Hampshires Guidelines on using Restraint. Page 13 describes what has to be documented each and every time restraint is used.

http://www.ldanh.org/docs/nhdoePhysicalRestraintDocument%5B1%5D.pdf