HB 813 -- Psychiatric Medications for Minors

Sponsor:  Selby

This bill establishes new guidelines for licensed health care
professionals with prescription authority who prescribe a
psychiatric medication to a minor.

Licensed health care professionals with prescription authority
are required to:

(1)  Confirm that the minor has received a physical examination
by a pediatrician chosen by a parent or legal guardian of the
minor;

(2)  Confirm that any adverse or untreated physical condition
detected by the physical examination has been treated and the
minor re-examined;

(3)  Fully explain to the parent or legal guardian of the minor
the nature and possible side effects of all medications
recommended to the minor; and

(4)  Obtain written informed consent signed by the parent or
legal guardian.

The bill requires licensed health care professionals who
prescribe psychiatric medications to a minor to compile a list
of all medications the minor is currently taking, including each
prescription submitted for filling.  The Department of Mental
Health and the parent or legal guardian of the minor are
required to receive an extra copy of the prescription and the
list.

The department is required to track the number and kinds of
psychiatric medications prescribed for minors in Missouri in
order to ensure that reliable data are available for the General
Assembly and other state agencies.

The bill also contains definitions which include "legal
guardian," "minor," "physical examination," and "psychiatric
medication."

Any licensed health care professional who violates the
provisions of the bill will be guilty of the unlawful practice
of medicine.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated September 13, 2001 at 2:04 pm