Subject: HR 1170 Scientology backed bill

From the weekly newsletter.

http://www.ncahf.org/digest03/index.html

Consumer Health Digest #03-25
Your Weekly Update of News and Reviews

Scientology-backed bill arouses concern. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) and five other mental health organizations have warned that the proposed Child Medication Safety Act (HR 1170) could have a "chilling effect on communication between school personnel and parents about students' mental health problems." The bill would prevent teachers and other public school personnel from requiring students to take methylphenidate (Ritalin) or other Schedule II controlled substance as a condition of attending school. The bill would permit school personnel to share observations with parents about a student's academic performance or behavior or "the need for evaluation for special education or related services." However, coalition members, who note that abuses are rare, are concerned that this language might cause teachers to recommend comprehensive medical assessments when needed. In an interview in Psychiatric News, an official of one of the groups said that the Citizen's Commission for Human Rights (a Church of Scientology affiliate), which opposes all use of psychiatric medication for children, is behind the bill. HR 1170 was inserted as an amendment to the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act reauthorization bill (HR 1350), which passed the House of Representatives last month. [Lehmann C.

Bill would regulate ADHD discussions in school. Psychiatric News 38(10):10, 2003]