Concern About Psychotropic Drugs and Foster Kids

Concern About Psychotropic Drugs and Foster Kids

Concern is on the rise about psychotropic medications—especially atypical antipsychotics—given to foster children covered under Medicaid. Two state Medicaid officials and a representative of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) spoke at hearings of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support on May 8. Rep Jim McDermott, MD (D, Washington), the only psychiatrist in Congress, has introduced legislation that requires states to improve care coordination for foster children.