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School Psychopharmacology pp 13–27Cite as

Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues Related to Use of Psychotropic Medications in School-Aged Populations

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Part of the book series: Pediatric School Psychology ((PSP))

Abstract

Given the important involvement of psychologists and school professionals in psychopharmacological treatment, the purpose of this chapter is to address legal , ethical , and professional issues related to the use of psychoactive medications in the school-aged population. Specific attention is given to the implications of these issues for the roles and responsibilities of school personnel when working with families and physicians around medication treatment decisions. The chapter concludes with a list of readings and websites that may be helpful for readers seeking more information on this topic.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA

    George J. DuPaul & Melanie K. Franklin

Authors
  1. George J. DuPaul
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  2. Melanie K. Franklin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to George J. DuPaul .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School Psychology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA

    John S. Carlson

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ohio State University—Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA

    Justin A. Barterian

Appendices

List of Readings

  • Giles, L. L., & Martini, D. R. (2016). Challenges and promises of pediatric psychopharmacology . Academic Pediatrics, 16, 508–518.

    • This article provides a summary of evidence-based psychopharmacological interventions for pediatric medical conditions. The authors describe the efficacy, safety, and clinical use of different drug types (e.g., stimulants, antidepressants) which help guide pediatric health providers in treatment decisions.

  • Rappaport, N., Kulick, D., & Phelps, L. (2013). Psychotropic medications : An update for school psychologists. Psychology in the Schools, 50, 589–600.

    • This review focuses on the utilization of medication for pediatric depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. This article provides information that will aid school psychologists and other practitioners in communicating with physicians and caregivers. A summary of treatment options as well as clear, detailed tables about common drug types and adverse side effects are included.

  • Ryan, J. B., Katsiyannis, A., Losinski, M., Reid, R., & Ellis, C. (2014). Review of state medication policies/guidelines regarding psychotropic medications in public schools. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 23(4), 704–715.

    • State procedures regarding school medication policies vary widely. This article provides a review of various state procedures and offers guidance on best practice for establishing state guidelines concerning the use of psychotropic medications in public schools.

List of Websites

Laws and Guidance

  • https://www2.ed.gov/policy/landing.jhtml

    • This U.S. Department of Education resource contains links to the text of key pieces of education-related legislation (e.g., IDEA, FERPA) as well as other guiding documents (e.g., Dear Colleague Letters).

  • http://www.apa.org/pi/disability/dart/legal/

    • The DisABILITY Resources Toolbox (DART) Toolkit II: Legal Issues, published by the American Psychological Association highlights key pieces of legislation in the context of psychological practice. Summaries of key policies as well as practice suggestions are included in the toolkit.

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DuPaul, G.J., Franklin, M.K. (2019). Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues Related to Use of Psychotropic Medications in School-Aged Populations. In: Carlson, J., Barterian, J. (eds) School Psychopharmacology. Pediatric School Psychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-15541-4_2

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