2018 Maryland Code
Education
Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education
Title 7 - Public Schools
Subtitle 11 - Student Behavior Intervention
§ 7-1101. Definitions
(a) In general. -- In this subtitle the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b) Behavior intervention plan. -- "Behavior intervention plan" means a proactive plan designed to address problem behavior exhibited by a student in the educational setting through the use of positive behavioral interventions, strategies, and supports.
(c) Nonpublic school. -- "Nonpublic school" means a school that receives funds from the Department for the purpose of providing special education and related services to students with disabilities.
(d) Physical restraint. --
(1) "Physical restraint" means the use of physical force, without the use of any device or material, to restrict the free movement of all or a portion of a student's body.
(2) "Physical restraint" does not include:
(i) Briefly holding a student in order to calm or comfort the student;
(ii) Holding a student's hand or arm to escort the student safely from one area to another;
(iii) Moving a disruptive student who is unwilling to leave the area when other methods such as counseling have been unsuccessful; or
(iv) Breaking up a fight in the school building or on school grounds.
(e) Public agency. -- "Public agency" means the Department, a local school system, the Maryland School for the Deaf, or the Maryland School for the Blind.
(f) Seclusion. -- "Seclusion" means the confinement of a student alone in a room, an enclosure, or any other space from which the student is physically prevented from leaving.