Antipsychotic Medication Prescriptions For Medicaid, Foster Care Children Debated

The Wall Street Journal (2/24, Lagnado, Subscription Publication) reports on the growing debate over how Medicaid and foster care children are medicated, as there has been an increase in the past 15 years in strong antipsychotic medication prescriptions for these children. The Journal notes that the HHS IG has launched an investigation, while the APA has warned against their overuse. Meanwhile, the piece explains that the FDA sanctions the use of atypicals, although physicians can prescribe them off label to deal with children’s behavioral issues.

Related Links:

— “Drugged as Children, Foster-Care Alumni Speak Out, ” Lucette Lagnado, Wall Street Journal, February 23, 2014.

Posted in In The News.