A national survey on the use of seclusion in the psychiatric treatment of children.
Officials in 36 states responded to a survey of state policies, procedures, and regulations for the use of seclusion in the psychiatric treatment of children. Thirty-five of the states permit its use in emergencies, and 18 allow its use as part of a therapeutic treatment program. Only six states responding have regulations specifically addressing the use of seclusion with children. The authors summarize state regulations, including duration and frequency of seclusion episodes; orders required to implement seclusion and who may authorize it; rules about observation, documentation, and termination of episodes and breaks during episodes; design of seclusion rooms; and staff training. The authors present a model policy and procedure statement based on clinical and developmental considerations.
Fassler
D
D
Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington.
Cotton
N
N
D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003617:Dangerous Behavior; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D010356:Patient Isolation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012931:Social Environment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States