When working with students with disabilities—especially in nonpublic schools (NPS) and nonpublic agencies (NPA)—staff are often faced with challenging behaviors. In these moments, it’s essential that responses are safe, respectful, and legally compliant.
Under California Assembly Bill 1172 (AB 1172), there are specific prohibited procedures that staff are not allowed to use under any circumstance. These rules exist not only to ensure compliance—but more importantly, to protect the dignity, safety, and emotional well-being of every student.
In this post, we’ll explore:
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What prohibited procedures are under AB 1172
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Why they’re dangerous and outdated
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What to do instead when facing crisis behavior
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How training prevents risk and builds a positive school culture
What Are Prohibited Procedures?
According to AB 1172 and California Education Code, prohibited procedures include:
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Use of pain as punishment
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Locked seclusion or isolation rooms
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Mechanical restraints (unless prescribed by a medical professional)
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Restraining a student in a prone (face-down) position
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Any intervention that restricts breathing
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Verbal abuse, humiliation, or threats
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Restricting access to basic needs (e.g., food, water, bathroom)
These practices are considered physically and psychologically harmful, and using them—even once—can lead to:
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Loss of school certification
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Civil or criminal liability
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Serious injury or trauma to students
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Loss of trust from families, staff, and school districts
Why Are These Procedures Prohibited?
1. They Put Students at Risk
Many prohibited procedures have been linked to injuries, trauma, and even death. Prone restraints, for example, have resulted in fatal asphyxiation, especially when used by untrained staff.
2. They Escalate, Not De-escalate
Punitive or coercive responses often intensify the student’s behavior, creating a cycle of escalation instead of calming the situation.
3. They Are Often Retraumatizing
Many students in NPS/NPA settings have experienced trauma. When staff use physical force, isolation, or threats, it can trigger past trauma and make behavior worse over time.
4. They Violate Students’ Rights
Every student has a right to a safe, supportive, and educational environment. Prohibited procedures violate these rights and undermine ethical and legal obligations.
✅ What to Do Instead: Positive and Proactive Practices
Instead of using prohibited procedures, staff should be trained in evidence-based, trauma-informed alternatives. These include:
De-escalation Strategies
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Maintain calm, neutral tone of voice
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Give space and time for the student to regulate
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Use non-verbal signals or calming visuals
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Avoid confrontational posture or commands
Proactive Behavior Supports
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Use “First-Then” prompts or visual schedules
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Reinforce small successes with praise or tokens
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Provide breaks or movement opportunities
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Create predictable routines and safe environments
Emergency Interventions (Last Resort)
If a student presents immediate danger to themselves or others, staff can use CDE-approved emergency interventions—such as non-restrictive physical guidance—but only when absolutely necessary, and only as long as needed to ensure safety.
Always follow the student’s Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) and document the event according to AB 1172 procedures.
The Role of AB 1172 Training in Preventing Harm
The goal of AB 1172 is not just to prevent dangerous interventions—it’s to change the culture of how we respond to challenging behavior. High-quality training helps staff:
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Recognize the early warning signs of escalation
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Use trauma-informed approaches instead of reacting impulsively
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Understand the legal consequences of prohibited procedures
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Practice safer, more respectful ways to support students in distress
Our AB 1172 course includes specific training on identifying prohibited procedures, what to do instead, and how to meet CDE documentation standards.
Consequences of Violating AB 1172
Using a prohibited intervention—even unintentionally—can result in:
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Loss of certification for your school or agency
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Suspension or termination of individual staff
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Injury to the student and legal action against staff or the school
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Damage to your school’s reputation and loss of district contracts
Compliance is about more than checking a box. It’s about keeping students safe and staff protected.
Final Thoughts: Choose Care Over Control
At the core of AB 1172 is a simple but powerful message: All students deserve respect, safety, and support.
Avoiding prohibited procedures isn’t about limiting staff—it’s about empowering them with better tools. When teams are trained, prepared, and supported, they can confidently handle even the most intense situations without putting students—or themselves—at risk.
Let’s build a culture where safety, compassion, and professionalism are the norm—not the exception.
✅ Get Trained, Stay Compliant
Our AB 1172 Online Training Course is designed for NPS and NPA teams who want to:
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Meet CDE requirements
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Train staff in evidence-based alternatives
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Understand when and how to intervene appropriately
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Receive a certificate of completion for documentation and compliance