37.34.1405    POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT: DESCRIPTION

(1) Positive behavior support is a set of evidence-based strategies used to reduce problem behavior by teaching new skills and making changes in the person's environment to improve quality of life.

(2) The foundation of positive behavior support is the functional behavior assessment described in ARM 37.34.1411.

(3) Positive behavior support strategies include:

(a) understanding how and what the person is communicating;

(b) understanding how other's presence, voice, tone, words, actions, and gestures impact the person and modifying these as necessary;

(c) supporting the person in communicating choices and wishes;

(d) supporting staff to change their behavior when it has a detrimental impact;

(e) temporarily avoiding situations that are too difficult or uncomfortable for the person, unless the health or safety of the person or the established treatment plan is compromised;

(f) allowing the person to exercise as much control and decision making as possible over day-to-day routines;

(g) assisting the person to increase control over life activities and their environment;

(h) teaching the person coping, communication, and emotional self-regulation skills;

(i) anticipating situations that will be challenging and assisting the person to cope or to respond in a calm way;

(j) providing opportunities for the person such as valued work, enjoyable physical exercise, and preferred recreational activities;

(k) modifying the environment to remove stressors for the person; and

(l) ensuring all medical needs and conditions are identified and addressed.

(4) The person's plan of care must incorporate the positive behavior support plan.

History: 53-6-402, 53-20-204, MCA; IMP, 53-6-402, 53-20-203, MCA; NEW, 2012 MAR p. 2617, Eff. 12/21/12.