Section 441.115.10. Chemical restraint.

When a secure facility uses chemical restraints, the facility shall have written policies regarding their use. These policies shall be approved by the licensor prior to the use of this type of restraint. These policies shall be posted in the facility, understood by all staff, explained to all parents or guardians, children, and referring agencies at the time of admission.

       115.10(1) Physicians orders. Each administration of chemical restraint shall be specifically ordered by a physician who has personally examined the child. There shall not be standing orders for the use of chemical restraint.

       115.10(2) Monitoring. The child shall be monitored continuously by a person trained and qualified to observe potentially adverse side effects.

       115.10(3) Authorization. The administrator of a residential facility or a person designated by that officer shall authorize the request for the use of chemical restraint.

       115.10(4) Continual use of chemical restraint. When a child in care requires chemical restraint on more than four occasions during any 30-day period, a secure facility shall hold an immediate meeting to discuss the appropriateness of the child’s continued placement at the facility.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 237.4.