SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR RESOURCES
603 CMR 46:00
Prevention of Physical Restraint and Requirements If Used
Updated version of 603 CMR 46:00 (effective Aug 17, 2026)
Reducing or Eliminating the Use of Time out (from Sept 10, 2021)
Time-Out Practices: Guidance on the Implementation of Regulatory Amendments to 603 CMR 46:00 and 603 CMR 18.00
Massachusetts Restraint Report numbers by district
BSEA Decisions and Rulings
Dear Colleague Letter: Restraint and Seclusion of Students with Disabilities (2016)
DOJ: 'Shocking overuse' of restraint, seclusion in Missouri district
MASC Policy JKAA - Physical Restraint of Students
New Massachusetts DESE Restraint Regulations take effect on August 17, 2026 and contain SIGNIFICANT changes to the use of time-out and seclusion
Resources To Help Staff Better Understand Regulations Changes
New Regulations Updates
(focusing on time-out & seclusion)
Includes:
-
- Explanation of all regulation changes
- New definitions of time out and seclusion
- Proper use of time out and seclusion
- Restrictions on using seclusion
- Time out room requirements
- Provisions of emergency seclusion
Restraint Regulations
(General Overview)
Includes:
-
- *New Regulation Updates
- 46.01 Scope, Purpose, and Construction
- 46.02 Definitions
- 46.03 Use of Restraint
- 46.05 Proper Administration of Restraint
- 46.06 Reporting Requirements
- 46.07 Safeguards
Restraint Regulations
(General Overview Plus)
Includes:
-
- *New Regulation Updates
- 46.01 Scope, Purpose, and Construction
- 46.02 Definitions
- 46.03 Use of Restraint
- 46.05 Proper Administration of Restraint
- 46.06 Reporting Requirements
- 46.07 Safeguards
- De-escalation strategies, relationship building, and the use of alternatives to restraint
- Difference between escort and restraint