Four steps to meet the requirements
Below are the four steps service providers must take to meet the requirements of the legislation.
Step 1
Check the definition of 'restrictive practices' under the legislation and in the policies and procedures to determine whether you are using restrictive practices.
Consider the following questions:
- Does the adult experiencing restrictive practice fit the target group for the legislation?
- Is the restrictive practice being used to prevent the adult’s behaviour from causing harm the adult or others?
- Is the restrictive practice being carried out safely and appropriately?
Step 2 (under the transitional provisions of the legislation)
Fill out the Notification of containment or seclusion of an adult form and submit to Disability Services Queensland within 60 days of using containment or seclusion as a restrictive practice to manage challenging behaviour.
Step 3 (under the transitional provisions of the legislation)
Monitor the use of any restrictive practice and ensure support staff have the knowledge and skills required for using the practice.
Step 4 (under the transitional provisions of the legislation)
For containment, seclusion or restricting access, service providers must:
- undertake a transitional assessment within six months of the first use of the practice, and
- implement and maintain transitional policies and procedures within six months from the commencement of containment, seclusion or restriction of access.
For physical, mechanical or chemical restraint, service providers must:
- undertake a transitional assessment within nine months of the first use of the practice, and
- implement and maintain transitional policies and procedures within nine months from the commencement of physical, mechanical or chemical restraint.
Note: If the service provider wishes to meet the full requirements, step 4 will involve different actions, as detailed below.
Step 4 (under the full requirements of the legislation)
For those adults assessed as benefiting from operating under full requirements, service providers must:
- undertake an assessment
- develop a positive behaviour support plan
- implement and maintain policies and procedures on the use of restrictive practices.
For containment or seclusion, the service provider must work with a Specialist Response Service team in Disability Services Queensland to:
- assess the adult
- develop a positive behaviour support plan
- submit an application to the Guardianship and Administration Tribunal for approval.
For physical, mechanical, chemical restraint or restricting access, the service provider with an appropriately qualified or experienced person must:
- assess the adult
- develop a positive behaviour support plan involving the guardian appointed for restrictive practice matters (who will be asked to consider consenting to use of the restrictive practices in the plan).
For adults receiving respite and/or community access services only, service providers must:
- undertake a risk assessment
- develop a respite/community access plan
- seek approval from a relevant decision maker
- implement and maintain policies and procedures from the time of commencing the use of a restrictive practice
Disclaimer
Note: Information contained on this website is provided as an initial guide only. For further information, contact the Disability Information Service on 1800 177 120.
Last updated July 2008