4541. Psychotropic Medication Management

Applies To:  This policy applies to Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) employees.

Policy Number & Title:  4541. Psychotropic Medication Management

Effective Date:  January 25, 2001

Purpose 

  1. This standard and procedure establishes guidelines for DCYF and DCYF-licensed or certified out-of-home care providers to follow when a child or youth is in the custody of DCYF, placed in out-of-home care, and is or may be administered psychotropic medication.
  2. This standard applies to children or youth placed in the department's custody, whether by voluntary placement agreement (VPA) or court order. It is prospective only. It applies only to children or youth not receiving such medications on the effective date of this policy, June 1, 1997.

Authority 

RCW 13.34.060  Shelter care—Placement—Custody—Duties of parties.

Chapter 71.34 RCW   Behavioral Health Services for Minors

Policy 

  1. The DCYF caseworker and the out-of-home care provider must comply with the provisions of RCW 13.34.060 regarding authorization of routine medical and dental care for the child or youth in the custody of DCYF.
  2. For children or youth who have been prescribed psychotropic medication, compliance with Chapter 71.34 RCW Behavioral Health Services for Minors is required.
  3. Neither the DCYF caseworker nor the out-of-home care provider may authorize the administration of psychotropic medications to a child or youth in the custody of DCYF, with the following exceptions:
    1. The DCYF caseworker may authorize the administration of such medications if the child or youth is legally free and in the permanent custody of DCYF.
    2. The DCYF caseworker may authorize the administration of such medications when it is impossible to obtain informed parental consent after normal work hours, on weekends, or on holidays. In such instances, the caseworker must obtain either informed parental consent or a court order within 72 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, of authorizing administration of the medication.
  4. The parent or guardian of the child or youth in DCYF custody must provide informed consent for the administration of psychotropic medications to the child or youth, unless the youth is age 13 or older and competent to provide consent on their behalf. If the parent or guardian is unavailable, unable, or unwilling to consent to the administration of medically necessary psychotropic medications, the caseworker shall obtain a court order before the medications may be administered.
  5. Consent for treatment will vary according to the child's or youth’s age.
    1. Youth age 13 years and older must consent to the administration of their own medication. They also have the right to maintain confidentiality of the information.
      1. The DCYF caseworker needs to encourage the youth to share information about the use of such medication with their parents or guardians, their out-of-home care provider, and their guardian ad litem. The care of the youth is likely to be compromised if the out-of-home care provider does not have knowledge of the medication being used and access to the prescribing physician for consultation.
      2. If the youth refuses to release information concerning medication to the out-of-home care provider, the DCYF caseworker shall review the youth's continued need for placement. If the youth remains in out-of-home care and continues to refuse to release information about their medication, the caseworker will request the court to order release of the information to the care provider and to the department.
      3. If the youth refuses to release information to the parent or guardian, the parent or guardian, if wanting the information, needs to request a court order to obtain it.
    2. Youth who are 13 years of age and older may not be able to provide knowledgeable consent to administration of psychotropic medication due to cognitive disabilities. In such an instance, the treating medical professional determines if the youth is capable of giving consent. If the youth is unable to provide consent, the parent or guardian must provide consent or the caseworker must obtain a court order to authorize treatment.
  6. The informed parental or guardian consent or court order needs to be a general authorization for the administration of psychotropic medications at the direction of a qualified, licensed physician so that a change in the consent or court order is unnecessary when it is necessary for the physician to adjust the medication.

The caseworker may contact the statewide Child Abuse Consultation Network at 1-206-987-2194 or after hours at 1-206-987-2000 whenever medication management would be facilitated by expert medical consultation. For consultation with a pharmacist on prescribed or non-prescribed medications, the DCYF caseworker, the foster parent, or other care provider may contact the Washington Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Department staff needs to identify himself or herself as a DCYF caseworker and ask to speak to the pharmacist on duty.

Original Date:  January 25, 2001

Revised Date: 

Review Date:

Approved by: