5141.231-4118.234 - Psychotropic Drug Use

Policy 5141-231-4118.234

Students/Personnel
 

Psychotropic Drug Use


The Board of Education prohibits all school personnel from recommending the use of psychotropic drugs for any student enrolled within the school system. For purposes of this policy, the term “recommend” shall mean to directly or indirectly suggest that a child use psychotropic drugs.

Psychotropic drugs are defined as prescription medications for behavioral or social-emotional concerns, such as attentional deficits, impulsivity, anxiety, depression and thought disorders and includes, but is not limited to stimulant medications and anti-depressants.

The District shall follow procedures for identification, evaluation, placement and delivery of services to children with disabilities or suspected disabilities provided in state and federal statutes that govern special education.

Procedures shall be established by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee (or Director of Special Education) delineating the manner in which school personnel and school health and mental health personnel shall communicate with each other regarding children who may need to be recommended for a medical evaluation. Such procedures shall also include how school health and mental health personnel should communicate the need for a medical evaluation to the child’s parents/guardians. Such procedures shall be consistent with all mandatory and existing procedures and due process safeguards governing assessment and diagnosis.

Further, upon the consent of the student’s parents or guardian, obtained, in writing, through the Planning and Placement Team process, school personnel may consult with the medical practitioner regarding such use.

In addition, the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) may recommend a medical evaluation as part of an initial evaluation or reevaluation, as needed to determine either a child’s eligibility for special education and related services, or educational needs for an individualized education program (IEP).

The Board recognizes that the refusal of a parent or other person having control of a child to administer or consent to the administration of any psychotropic drug to the child shall not, in and of itself, constitute grounds for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to take such child into custody or for any court of competent jurisdiction to order that such child be taken into custody by the Department, unless such refusal causes such child to be neglected or abused, as defined in C.G.S. 46b-120.

(cf. 5141.4 - Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect


Legal Reference:         Connecticut General Statutes
                                      10-212b  Policies prohibiting the recommendation of psychotropic drugs by school personnel. (as amended by
                                       PA 03-211)

                                    46b-120. Definitions
                                    10-76a Definitions.  (as amended by PA 00-48)
                                    10-76b State supervision of special education programs and services.
                                    10-76d Duties and powers of boards of education to provide special education programs and services. (as amended                                      by PA 97-114 and PA 00-48)
                                    10-76h Special education hearing and review procedure. Mediation of disputes. (as amended by PA 00-48)
                                    State Board of Education Regulations.
                                    34 C.F.R. 3000 Assistance to States for Education for Handicapped Children.
                                    American with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.
                                    Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.
                                    Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, 29 U.S.C. § 794.


Policy adopted:  June 4, 2019                                    
NEWTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, 
Newtown, Connecticut
 
Inspiring Each Student to Excel

3 Primrose St., Newtown, CT 06470
Phone: 203-426-7600