44Functions and powers of Senior Practitioner

44 Functions and powers of Senior Practitioner

(1)  The functions of the Senior Practitioner include the following:

(a) to authorise the use of restrictive practices by disability services providers;

(b) to oversee the use of restrictive practices in accordance with this Act;

(c) to report to the Secretary in relation to the authorisation and use of restrictive practices;

(d) to promote the reduction and elimination of the use of restrictive practices by disability services providers to the greatest extent possible;

(e) to ensure that –

(i) the rights of people who may be subject to restrictive practices are protected to the greatest extent possible; and

(ii) disability services providers comply with any applicable guidelines and standards on the use of restrictive practices;

(f) to develop guidelines and standards that are in accordance with best practice and the objects of this Act;

(g) to give directions to disability services providers about the use of restrictive practices;

(h) to provide education and information in relation to restrictive practices and the use of behaviour management techniques that may obviate or minimise the need for restrictive practices;

(i) to provide information in relation to the rights of people with disability who may be subject to restrictive practices;

(j) to give advice to disability services providers so as to –

(i) improve practices in relation to restrictive practices and the use of behaviour management techniques that may obviate or minimise the need for restrictive practices; and

(ii) enable the use of restrictive practices to be reduced and, where appropriate, eliminated;

(k) to undertake research in relation to restrictive practices and to make recommendations to the Secretary in respect of the need for research in relation to restrictive practices;

(l) to monitor and evaluate the use of restrictive practices;