§ 40.1-26-4.1. Aversive interventions — Prohibitions.
It shall be unlawful for any agency to use prohibited aversive intervention techniques on a person with a developmental disability in the state of Rhode Island. The specific strategies to be prohibited within the context of behavioral treatment interventions include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Noxious, painful, intrusive stimuli or activities that result in pain;
(2) Any form of noxious, painful, or intrusive spray or inhalant;
(3) Electric shock;
(4) Water spray to the face;
(5) Pinches and deep muscle squeezes;
(6) Shouting, screaming, or using a loud, sharp, harsh voice to frighten or threaten or use of obscene language;
(7) Withholding adequate sleep;
(8) Withholding adequate shelter or bedding;
(9) Withholding bathroom facilities;
(10) Withholding meals, essential nutrition, or hydration;
(11) Removal of an individual’s personal property as punishment;
(12) Unobserved time-out or room/area solely used for time out;
(13) Facial or auditory screening devices; and
(14) Use of chemical restraints instead of positive programs or medical treatments.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 136, § 1.