10A NCAC 28G .0101. DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of the rules in this Subchapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

(1)           The "program" means the Whitaker School.  It is a program providing treatment and education for emotionally disturbed children who are either multi‑handicapped or chronically impaired.  The program emphasizes psychological, social and educational rehabilitation.  The treatment model is based on re‑education theory rather than traditional psychiatric treatment.

(2)           A "group" is a sub‑unit of the program consisting of eight children of the same sex.  There shall be three groups of children in the program, two groups for males and one group for females.

(3)           A "regional placement committee" is a committee in each of the four regions of the state composed of no more than five representatives appointed by the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services regional director.  Each committee shall have at least three members who are formally licensed or certified to practice their professions and are fully qualified professionals as defined in G.S. 122C‑3(31).  One of the members' area of expertise shall be in mental retardation and at least two of these shall represent different mental health disciplines.

(4)           "Seclusion" is the placement of a child alone in a locked room when such placement of the child is neither a part of a systematic behavior change program written in the treatment plan nor a part of the procedural guidelines for at‑risk procedures.

(5)           The "therapeutic hold" is the act of a staff member physically holding a child to protect the child from hurting himself or herself, from hurting others, or from destroying property.

(6)           "Time out" is the use of a designated room which may have a closed door but which shall not be locked, for the purpose of removing the child from a stressful situation.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. March 24, 1981;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1990.