Dependent children: psychotropic medications.

Existing law authorizes only a juvenile court judicial officer to make orders regarding the administration of psychotropic medications for a dependent child or a ward who has been removed from the physical custody of his or her parent. Existing law requires court authorization except in an emergency situation, as specified, for the administration of psychotropic medication to be based on a request from a physician, indicating the reasons for the request, a description of the child's or ward's diagnosis and behavior, the expected results of the medication, and a description of any side effects of the medication. Existing law requires the officer to approve or deny the request for authorization to administer psychotropic medication, or set the matter for hearing, as specified, within 7 court days. This bill would, in a pilot project operative only until January 1, 2014, in 3 counties that are selected by the State Department of Social Services in consultation with the Judicial Council and 2 other specified entities, expand the authority of a juvenile court judicial officer to make orders regarding the administration of psychotropic medications to include a dependent child or ward who has been removed from the physical custody of his or her parent or guardian, or a child who has been removed from the physical custody of a parent or guardian pending adjudication as a dependent child. The pilot project would require the physician submitting the request for psychotropic medication to have conducted an examination of the child or ward. The pilot project would require the request to indicate additional information, including the child's medical history and a description of any clinically indicated therapy recommended for the child to participate in during the 6-month period until the next court review of the psychotropic medication. The pilot project would require the juvenile court judicial officer, before authorizing the administration of psychotropic medication, to make certain findings, including that the child's or ward's caregiver has been informed, and the child or ward has been informed in an age and developmentally appropriate manner, about the recommended medications, the anticipated benefits, the nature, degree, duration, and probability of side effects and significant risks, and any other recommended treatments, that the child or ward has been informed of the right to request a hearing, and that a plan is in place for regular monitoring of the medication, as specified. The pilot project would require a dependent child or ward to be present in court for any hearing on the request for authorization to administer psychotropic medication, except as specified. The pilot project would authorize the court to inquire about specified information in any proceeding in the juvenile court following court authorization for the administration of psychotropic medication to a child or ward. The bill would require the State Department of Social Services, after consultation with the State Department of Mental Health, to report to the Legislature regarding the pilot project before July 1, 2014, as specified. The bill would require the Judicial Council to adopt rules and forms to implement these provisions on or before July 1, 2011. These provisions would remain in effect until January 1, 2015.