What is a Restraint Chair? continued

Included with more insights about restraint chairs, below, are references to the coordinating rules for using restraints as established by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS), where applicable. Those rules are found in Title 37, Part 9, Chapter 273, and Rule §273.6-Restraints in the Texas Administrative Code:

• Straps on a restraint chair should never be placed around the head or neck or in any manner that restricts breathing or blood circulation.
• In increments no greater than every 15 minutes, health and well-being checks must occur, and there should be documentation of the well checks. Rule §273.6(3) states that these 15-minute observations are a requirement. Also, during each observation, assessments are to be made of the inmate’s blood circulation to the extremities and the security of the restraints.
• For an inmate to be kept in a restraint chair longer than two hours, medical and supervisory permission must be obtained. These safety requirements are covered in Rule §273.6(4) and (5). In (4), medical care must be provided every 2 hours. This includes allowing inmates to exercise their arms and legs, and offering toilet facilities, nourishment, and liquids. The inmate’s vital signs are to be taken, and a qualified person must determine whether there are any needs for medication. Information about these matters must be documented.

Learn more in Part 1 and Part 2 of this ongoing series.

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