4-611 - Prohibition on Recommendations for Psychotropic Drugs

Policy 4-611

PROHIBITION ON RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS

The Board of Education prohibits school personnel from recommending the use of psychotropic drugs for any child. For the purposes of this policy, the term "recommend" shall mean to directly or indirectly suggest that a child should use psychotropic drugs. Psychotropic drugs means prescription medications for behavioral or social-emotional concerns, such as attention deficits, impulsivity, anxiety, depression and thought
disorders, and includes, but is not limited to, stimulant medication and antidepressants.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, school health or mental health personnel may recommend that a child be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner. School health or mental health personnel means school nurses or nurse practitioners appointed pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes section 10-212, school medical advisors appointed pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes section 10-205, school psychologists, school social
workers, and school counselors, and Director of Special Services/Special Education who have been identified as the person responsible for communication with a parent or guardian about a child's need for medical evaluation pursuant to this policy.

Nothing in this policy shall be construed to prohibit a planning and placement team or a 504 team from discussing with parents and/or guardians of a child the appropriateness of consultation with, or evaluation by, medical practitioners with the consent of the parents
and/or guardians of a child. Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes 10-212b.

Adopted 11/13/01
Revised 1/20/04
 
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