TN Code § 49-10-1305 (2021)
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

  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.   Administering a noxious substance to a student receiving special education services, as defined by § 49-10-102, is prohibited.   The use of any mechanical restraint on any student receiving special education services, as defined by § 49-10-102, is prohibited.   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.    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.   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.    The use of physical holding restraint in the following circumstances is not prohibited:   The brief holding by an adult in order to calm or comfort;   The minimum contact necessary to physically escort a student from one area to another;   Assisting a student in completing a task or response if the student does not resist, or resistance is minimal in intensity or duration; or   Holding a student for a brief time in order to prevent any impulsive behavior that threatens the student's immediate safety.     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).       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.   Any space used as an isolation room shall be:  Unlocked and incapable of being locked;   Free of any condition that could be a danger to the student;   Well ventilated and temperature controlled;   Sufficiently lighted for the comfort and well-being of the student;   Where school personnel are in continuous direct visual contact with the student at all times;   At least forty square feet (40 sq. ft.); and   In compliance with all applicable state and local fire, health, and safety codes.     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.