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2021 Tennessee Code
Title 49 - Education
Chapter 10 - Special Education
Part 13 - Special Education Behavioral Supports Act
§ 49-10-1305. Restrictions on Administration Of, or Use Of, Isolation or Restraint

Universal Citation: TN Code § 49-10-1305 (2021)
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  1. Administering a chemical restraint to a student receiving special education services, as defined by § 49-10-102, is prohibited; provided, that nothing in this subsection (a) shall prohibit the administration of a chemical restraint when administered for therapeutic purposes under the direction of a physician and with the child's parent or guardian's consent to administer such chemical restraint.

  2. Administering a noxious substance to a student receiving special education services, as defined by § 49-10-102, is prohibited.

  3. The use of any mechanical restraint on any student receiving special education services, as defined by § 49-10-102, is prohibited.

  4. Any form of life threatening restraint, including restraint that restricts the flow of air into a person's lungs, whether by chest compression or any other means, to a student receiving special education services, as defined by § 49-10-102, is prohibited.


    1. The use of isolation or physical holding restraint as a means of coercion, punishment, convenience or retaliation on any student receiving special education services, as defined by § 49-10-102, is prohibited.

    2. Removing or disabling any equipment or device that a student requires, including, but not limited to, a power wheelchair, brace, augmentative communication device, or walker, as a means of coercion, punishment, convenience, or retaliation on any student receiving special education services, as defined by § 49-10-102, is prohibited.


      1. The use of physical holding restraint in the following circumstances is not prohibited:
        1. The brief holding by an adult in order to calm or comfort;

        2. The minimum contact necessary to physically escort a student from one area to another;

        3. Assisting a student in completing a task or response if the student does not resist, or resistance is minimal in intensity or duration; or

        4. Holding a student for a brief time in order to prevent any impulsive behavior that threatens the student's immediate safety.

      2. The school is not required to notify the student's parent or guardian pursuant to § 49-10-1304 in any of the circumstances listed in subdivision (e)(3)(A).

  6. The use of a locked door, or any physical structure, mechanism, or device that substantially accomplishes the function of locking a student in a room, structure, or area, is prohibited.

  7. Any space used as an isolation room shall be:

    1. Unlocked and incapable of being locked;

    2. Free of any condition that could be a danger to the student;

    3. Well ventilated and temperature controlled;

    4. Sufficiently lighted for the comfort and well-being of the student;

    5. Where school personnel are in continuous direct visual contact with the student at all times;

    6. At least forty square feet (40 sq. ft.); and

    7. In compliance with all applicable state and local fire, health, and safety codes.

  8. Notwithstanding this section, actions undertaken by school personnel to break up a fight or to take a weapon from a student are not prohibited; however, these acts shall be reported.
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