Restraint and Seclusion Laws in Idaho
What are the restraint and seclusion rules in Idaho?
Idaho's restraint and seclusion regulations are governed by IDAPA 08.02.03.200 through 08.02.03.250, establishing specific requirements for the use of physical restraint and seclusion in schools. Physical restraint may only be used as an emergency safety measure when a student's behavior poses an imminent physical danger to the student or others, and only by trained staff. Seclusion (placing a student in a room alone where they are prevented from leaving) is similarly restricted to emergency situations. Idaho prohibits: prone (face-down) restraints; mechanical restraints not included in the student's IEP or safety plan; chemical restraints; and any restraint that restricts breathing or communication. Staff who use restraint or seclusion must be trained in crisis prevention and the approved techniques. Schools must notify parents within one school day of any incident of restraint or seclusion, provide a written report within two school days, and document all incidents. When restraint or seclusion is used more than once within a defined period, the school must convene an IEP team meeting to review the student's behavioral supports and consider whether the IEP or BIP needs revision. ISDE collects data on restraint and seclusion incidents annually.
What Idaho Requires
Physical restraint may only be used in an emergency when a student poses an imminent physical danger; it must be the least restrictive effective response and only used by trained staff (IDAPA 08.02.03.200 et seq.).
Prone (face-down) restraints are prohibited in Idaho schools (IDAPA 08.02.03.210).
Mechanical restraints not specified in the student's IEP or safety plan, chemical restraints, and any restraint restricting breathing or communication are prohibited (IDAPA 08.02.03.210).
Staff must be trained in crisis prevention and approved physical intervention techniques before using restraint or seclusion (IDAPA 08.02.03.220).
Schools must notify parents within one school day of any incident of restraint or seclusion, and provide a written incident report within two school days (IDAPA 08.02.03.230).
Repeated incidents of restraint or seclusion must trigger an IEP team review to assess the adequacy of behavioral supports and whether the IEP or BIP requires revision (IDAPA 08.02.03.240).
Key Timelines
Parent notification: within one school day of any restraint or seclusion incident (IDAPA 08.02.03.230).
Written incident report: must be provided to parents within two school days of the incident (IDAPA 08.02.03.230).
Repeated incidents trigger IEP team review; the meeting must occur within a timeframe determined by the school's policy consistent with IDAPA 08.02.03.240.
ISDE collects and reviews school district restraint and seclusion data annually (IDAPA 08.02.03.250).