SB 253 Summary

• Establishes new court authorization requirements for psychotropic medications administered to dependent and delinquent children in foster care, effective January 1, 2018, requiring courts to determine the medication is in the child's best interest based on anticipated benefits outweighing short- and long-term risks.

• Requires preauthorization review by a child psychiatrist or behavioral pediatrician for psychotropic medications prescribed to children age 5 or younger, three or more concurrent medications, or concurrent antipsychotic medications (with limited exceptions).

• Mandates court review hearings within 60 days of authorizing new psychotropic medications to evaluate medication effectiveness, adverse effects, and whether prescribed psychosocial services have been provided.

• Allows emergency administration of psychotropic medications without prior court authorization if immediately necessary to prevent serious bodily harm, with court authorization required within two court days thereafter.

• Requires the Judicial Council to adopt rules of court and forms by January 1, 2018, and directs the State Department of Health Care Services to identify resources for preauthorization reviews in counties with fewer than 10 practicing child and adolescent psychiatrists.