OMH Regulations for NY Mental Health Facilities

By CPI
November 20, 2014
New York state image cyan background

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has adopted regulations affecting statute 14 NYCRR sections 27, 526, and 587, which govern the use of restraint and seclusion in mental health facilities.

About the Regulations

The purpose of the updated regulations is to set standards for the quality care and treatment of people receiving services in facilities operated or licensed by the OMH and to promote a safe and therapeutic environment, reduce the risk of danger to staff and people receiving care, and prevent violent behavior in OMH facilities.

The updated regulations state that seclusion and restraint should never be used as punishment, and that staff should use the least-restrictive intervention whenever possible. They allow for the practices to be used only as a last resort in emergency situations when a person’s behavior presents an immediate risk of harm to self or others.

Training Requirements

The requirements stipulate that all staff in OMH-licensed facilities who have direct patient contact must:

  • Receive ongoing education and training.
  • Demonstrate competency in techniques and alternative methods for handling behavior in order to avoid restraint and seclusion.
  • Demonstrate competency in the proper and safe use of seclusion and restraint when needed.

While state-owned and operated facilities are required to use the OMH’s PMCS program, facilities that are licensed through the OMH are able to use training that is consistent with OMH standards, such as CPI's Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® training.

CPI Can Help!

The Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® training program focuses on prevention and de-escalation techniques that help staff recognize and understand the roots of disruptive and assaultive behavior, and how to control their own responses to the behavior. The program’s techniques are also effective in both the prevention of and the safer, less-restrictive, last-resort use of physical restraint. Additionally, the program helps staff build and expand their person-centered, trauma-informed approach to care.

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