2005 Rhode Island Code - § 40.1-26-4.1 — Aversive interventions – Prohibitions.

    It shall be unlawful for any agency to use prohibited aversive intervention techniques on a person with a developmental disability in the state of Rhode Island. The specific strategies to be prohibited within the context of behavioral treatment interventions include, but are not limited to the following:

   (a) Noxious, painful, intrusive stimuli or activities that result in pain;

   (b) Any form of noxious, painful or intrusive spray or inhalant;

   (c) Electric shock;

   (d) Water spray to the face;

   (e) Pinches and deep muscle squeezes;

   (f) Shouting, screaming or using a loud, sharp, harsh voice to frighten or threaten or use of obscene language;

   (g) Withholding adequate sleep;

   (h) Withholding adequate shelter or bedding;

   (i) Withholding bathroom facilities;

   (j) Withholding meals, essential nutrition or hydration;

   (k) Removal of an individual's personal property as punishment;

   (l) Unobserved time-out or room/area solely used for time out;

   (m) Facial or auditory screening devices; and

   (n) Use of chemical restraints instead of positive programs or medical treatments.