R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-26-4.1: Aversive interventions — Prohibitions.

It shall be unlawful for any agency to use prohibited aversive intervention techniques on a person with a developmental disability in the state of Rhode Island. The specific strategies to be prohibited within the context of behavioral treatment interventions include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Noxious, painful, intrusive stimuli or activities that result in pain;

(2) Any form of noxious, painful, or intrusive spray or inhalant;

(3) Electric shock;

(4) Water spray to the face;

(5) Pinches and deep muscle squeezes;

(6) Shouting, screaming, or using a loud, sharp, harsh voice to frighten or threaten or use of obscene language;

(7) Withholding adequate sleep;

(8) Withholding adequate shelter or bedding;

(9) Withholding bathroom facilities;

(10) Withholding meals, essential nutrition, or hydration;

(11) Removal of an individual’s personal property as punishment;

(12) Unobserved time-out or room/area solely used for time out;

(13) Facial or auditory screening devices; and

(14) Use of chemical restraints instead of positive programs or medical treatments.