Washington Administrative Code
Title 181 - Professional Educator Standards Board
Chapter 181-88 - Definitions of sexual misconduct, verbal abuse and physical abuse - Mandatory disclosure - Prohibited agreements
Section 181-88-050 - Physical abuse - Definition

(1) "Physical abuse" means the willful action by an employee of inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily injury against another, or using physical force in excess of what is necessary to restrain a person from harming self or others. To constitute physical abuse, a school district must possess sufficient information to conclude that the employee engaged in the conduct and that it resulted in the employee leaving a position with the school district. Under RCW 28A.400.301, a district is prohibited from entering into any contract or agreement that has the effect of suppressing information about the abuse by a present or former employee or has the effect of expunging such information from employer files.

(2) Authorized use of physical restraints or of aversive interventions consistent with chapter 392-172 WAC shall not constitute physical abuse.