Purpose

Section 325 Section 325.10  Purpose The following standards and procedures shall govern the administration of psychotropic medications to persons under the guardianship of the Department pursuant to court order or for whom the Department has custody and has, by court order or via an adoptive surrender, been authorized to consent to major medical procedures.  It is the purpose of this rule to create a system which promptly identifies and evaluates the needs of children for psychotropic medication, provides timely access to such medication, and monitors children on such medication, while recognizing the risks that such medications pose, particularly if they are not prescribed and monitored with care. Psychotropic medication must not be used simply for the convenience of staff members or caregivers, to punish children, or as a substitute for adequate staffing and programming.