PERSONNEL 4005

PROHIBITION ON RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS

Policy Concerning Public Act 01-124

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.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, school health or mental health personnel staff may recommend that a child be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner.

Nothing in this policy shall be construed to prohibit a Planning and Placement Team from discussing with parents and/or guardians of a child the appropriateness of consultation with, or evaluation by, medical practitioners; or to prohibit school personnel from consulting with appropriate medical practitioners with the consent of the parents and/or guardians of a child.

Reference: Section 10-212b

Adopted: November 13, 2001
Revised: March 12, 2007

ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR PROHIBITION ON RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS

The following procedures apply to this policy:

1. 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 medications and antidepressants.

2. School health or mental health personnel are defined as school nurses or nurse
practitioners, school medical advisors, school psychologists, school social
workers and school counselors.

3. All new staff members will receive a copy of the policy and guidelines, and the policy will be reviewed at the New Staff Orientation.

4. Administrators will go over this policy at a faculty meeting at the beginning of each year.

5. This policy will be reviewed with staff at the beginning of each year at Special Education and Pupil Services system wide department meetings.

6. Parent or guardian consent for school personnel to consult with appropriate medical practitioners shall be in writing by letter or on the appropriate release of information form.

Adopted: November 13, 2001
Revised: March 12, 2007