This regulation establishes specific safety procedures that DC mental health providers must follow when placing a consumer in seclusion. Requirements include removing dangerous articles, offering clothing if the consumer is unclothed, ensuring the seclusion environment is free of hazards, and providing continuous monitoring with prompt attention to physical, mental, and emotional needs. For consumers under age 18, continuous face-to-face monitoring by trained staff at the doorway window is mandatory for the entire duration of the seclusion event.
View official source507 SPECIFIC PROCEDURES FOR THE USE OF SECLUSION 507.1 When secluding a consumer, the following procedures shall be observed: (a) All potentially dangerous articles shall be removed from the consumer's person and the seclusion area; (b) If unclothed, the consumer shall be offered clothing at the earliest possible time; (c) The consumer shall not be placed in any room or environment where there are potentially hazardous conditions, such as electrical outlets, frayed wires, high temperatures, high humidity, or light fixtures in disrepair; and (d) The consumer shall be continually monitored as described in §§ 508.3 and 508.4 of this chapter, and the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the consumer shall be given prompt attention at all times. 507.2 If the MH provider secludes a consumer under the age of eighteen (18) the consumer shall be continuously monitored, face-to-face, by trained staff who shall be at the doorway window of the seclusion room for the duration of the seclusion event. SOURCE: Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 8691 (September 3, 2004)[EXPIRED]; as amended by Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 11863 (December 31, 2004)[EXPIRED]; as amended by Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking published at 52 DCR 5957 (June 24, 2005)[EXPIRED]; as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 52 DCR 7229 (August 5, 2005). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Mental Health 22-A DCMR § 507