Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 200 - Board of Education
Chapter 20 - Council on Elementary and Secondary Education
Subchapter 30 - Student Supports
Part 2 - Physical Restraint Regulations
Section 200-RICR-20-30-2.1 - Authority, Scope, Purpose and Construction

1. These regulations are promulgated by the Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-60-4 and R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 16-97.

1. These regulations govern the use of physical restraint and crisis intervention on all students in publicly funded elementary and secondary education programs, including all Rhode Island public school districts and regional public school districts, all Rhode Island State Operated Schools, all Public Charter Schools, educational programs operated by the Department for Children Youth and Families, Educational Collaborative Programs, and Local Educational Agencies operating a public education program; all of which shall hereafter be referred to as public education programs.

1. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that every student participating in a Rhode Island public education program be free from the unreasonable use of physical restraint and crisis intervention. Physical intervention, the use of manual or mechanical restraint or escort involving physical contact should only be used as a crisis intervention for the purpose of preventing harm or injury. The crisis intervention must not include procedures that intentionally cause pain, injury, trauma or humiliation. A physical restraint crisis intervention should not be used for the purpose of changing behavior in situations where no protection from harm or injury is needed. Only the least intrusive physical interaction needed to adequately protect the child or others shall be used and shall be terminated as soon as the need for protection has abated.

1. Nothing in these regulations shall be construed to limit the protection offered publicly funded students under other state or federal laws nor do these regulations preclude any teacher, employee or agent of a public education program from using reasonable force to protect students, other persons or themselves from imminent, serious, physical harm.