Restraint and Seclusion Laws in Washington
What are the restraint and seclusion rules in Washington?
Washington has comprehensive restraint and isolation law under RCW 28A.600.485 and WAC 392-172A-05215, with significant provisions enacted in 2013 and amended in 2023. Restraint or isolation may only be used when 'reasonably necessary to control spontaneous behavior that poses an imminent likelihood of serious harm' (RCW 28A.600.485). Washington uses the term 'isolation' rather than 'seclusion' as the statutory term (WAC 392-172A-01107). IEP and 504 plans may not include restraint or isolation as a planned intervention unless the student's individual needs require it and parents agree (RCW 28A.600.485). Prone restraint (face-down physical restraint) is prohibited in Washington schools. Parent notification is required verbally by the end of the business day (same-day notification) and in writing (postmarked) within 5 business days of the incident, in the family's preferred language (RCW 28A.600.485). Staff must report to the building administrator as soon as possible, and must submit written reports to the district office within 2 business days. Districts must submit annual summary data to OSPI by January 1st. OSPI publishes incident data within 90 days. Staff must be trained in trauma-informed crisis intervention and de-escalation (WAC 392-172A-02110).
What Washington Requires
Restraint or isolation may only be used when reasonably necessary to control spontaneous behavior posing an imminent likelihood of serious harm — not for convenience or compliance (RCW 28A.600.485).
Prone restraint (face-down physical restraint) is prohibited in Washington schools (RCW 28A.600.485).
IEP and 504 plans may not include restraint or isolation as a planned intervention unless individual needs require it and parents agree (RCW 28A.600.485).
Isolation rooms must be ventilated, lighted, and temperature-controlled, with continuous visual monitoring by staff who remains in visual range at all times (WAC 392-172A-02110).
Restraint or isolation must be discontinued as soon as the imminent likelihood of serious harm dissipates (WAC 392-172A-02110; RCW 28A.600.485).
Staff must be trained and certified in trauma-informed crisis intervention including de-escalation by a qualified provider (WAC 392-172A-02110).
Parent verbal notification by the end of the business day (same-day notification); written notification postmarked within 5 business days; notices must be in the family's preferred language (RCW 28A.600.485).
Staff must report to building administrator as soon as possible and submit written reports to the district within 2 business days (RCW 28A.600.485).
Key Timelines
Verbal parent notification: by the end of the business day of the restraint or isolation incident — same-day notification required (RCW 28A.600.485).
Written parent notification: postmarked no later than 5 business days after the incident (RCW 28A.600.485).
Staff written report to district: within 2 business days (RCW 28A.600.485).
District annual report to OSPI: by January 1st each year, summarizing all incidents (RCW 28A.600.485).
OSPI publication of district data: within 90 days of receipt (RCW 28A.600.485).