5141.231(a)
4118.234
Students/Personnel-Certified
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.
However, school health or mental health personnel, including school nurses or nurse practitioners, the District’s Medical Advisor, school psychologists, school social workers, and school counselors may recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner.
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.
Nothing in this policy shall be construed to prohibit a Planning and Placement Team (PPT) 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.
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.
The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall promulgate this policy to district staff and parents/guardians of students annually and upon the registration of new students.
(cf. 5141.4 - Reporting of Child
Abuse and Neglect
5141.231(b)
4118.231
Students/Personnel
- Certified
Psychotropic Drug Use
(continued)
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: March
9, 2004 EAST
HADDAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Moodus,
Connecticut