Restraint and Seclusion Laws in Oregon
What are the restraint and seclusion rules in Oregon?
Oregon has comprehensive restraint and seclusion rules governed by ORS 339.285-339.308 and OAR 581-021-0550 through 581-021-0570, which apply to all public education programs including school districts, ESDs, and state-operated programs. Physical restraint is permitted only to protect a student or others from substantial physical or bodily injury; seclusion is permitted only when a student poses a reasonable risk of imminent and serious bodily injury to themselves or others and less restrictive interventions are ineffective (OAR 581-021-0550-0570; ORS 339.291). Certain restraint types are absolutely prohibited under ORS 339.288 including prone (face-down) restraints and holds that restrict breathing. Seclusion cells are prohibited in all Oregon schools (ORS 339.308). Following any restraint or seclusion incident, Oregon requires documentation and notification to parents as soon as possible (ORS 339.294; OAR 581-021-0550-0570). All districts must submit annual reports on restraint and seclusion incidents to ODE (ORS 339.297), and must make annual assurances that seclusion rooms meet standards set in OAR 581-021-0568. Staff must be trained in ODE-approved crisis prevention and de-escalation programs before implementing restraint or seclusion (ORS 339.300; OAR 581-021-0550-0570). Oregon's framework emphasizes prevention, student dignity, and trauma-informed practices. Complaints about restraint or seclusion incidents may be filed with ODE under ORS 339.303. Oregon employers—including school districts—cannot require nondisclosure agreements about student injuries resulting from inappropriate use of restraint or seclusion (ORS 343.186). The ODE provides a Technical Assistance and Guidelines Manual and training program lists to support compliant implementation.
What Oregon Requires
Physical restraint may be used only to prevent substantial physical or bodily injury; seclusion only when there is a reasonable risk of imminent serious bodily injury and less restrictive interventions have failed (OAR 581-021-0550-0570; ORS 339.291).
Prone (face-down) restraints and holds restricting breathing are prohibited (ORS 339.288; OAR 581-021-0550).
Seclusion cells are prohibited in all Oregon schools (ORS 339.308).
Parents must be notified as soon as possible following any restraint or seclusion incident; documentation must be maintained (ORS 339.294; OAR 581-021-0550-0570).
All districts must submit annual reports on restraint and seclusion incidents to ODE (ORS 339.297) and must make annual assurances that seclusion rooms meet OAR 581-021-0568 standards.
Staff must complete ODE-approved training in safe de-escalation and crisis prevention before implementing restraint or seclusion (ORS 339.300; OAR 581-021-0550-0570).
Restraint and seclusion must never be used as a form of discipline, punishment, or for staff convenience—only for safety emergencies (OAR 581-021-0550; DRO guidance).
Key Timelines
Parents must be notified as soon as possible following any restraint or seclusion incident, and documentation must be completed promptly (ORS 339.294; OAR 581-021-0550-0570).
Annual incident reports must be submitted to ODE each school year (ORS 339.297).
Annual seclusion room assurances must be filed with ODE's data collection system each school year (OAR 581-021-0568).