Monitoring Psychotropic Medications
In February 2005, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) released a "best practices" guide to ensure the proper use of psychotropic medications for the children in foster care. It has been continuously reviewed since that initial release.
The current guide is the Psychotropic Medication Utilization Parameters for Children and Youth in Texas Public Behavioral HealthExternal Link updated in June 2019. The Parameters serve as a resource for physicians and clinicians who care for children diagnosed with mental health disorders. The guide gives recommendations for the appropriate use of psychotropic medications for children served by the public behavioral health system in Texas, including children in foster care, and identifies nine criteria that indicate a need to review a child's clinical status.
Since April 2008, STAR Health has conducted Psychotropic Medication Utilization Reviews (PMURs) on the children whose medication regimens fall outside of the expectations of the Parameters. The STAR Health PMUR FAQ EnglishPDF Document | SpanishPDF Document versions explains this process and how to request a review.
The prescription patterns of psychotropic medications for Texas children in foster care have improved significantly since 2004 because of widespread use of the Parameters. For more information, see the annual HHSC outcomes report - Update on the Use Of Psychotropic Medications for Children in Texas Foster CareExternal Link.
Links
- Mental Health Problems in Foster Care Children is available from the national Centers for Education and Research (CERTs) providing guidance for foster parents and caretakers regarding children's psychiatric care. Learn more at: ChainOnline.External Link
- The Health Passport (an electronic record) is available for providers and those making medical decisions for the foster children. It can be accessed at FosterCareTx.comExternal Link.
- The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Drug Formulary also provides useful information regarding medications and is available at Psychiatric Drug Formulary | Texas Health and Human ServicesExternal Link
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - Medication GuidesExternal Link
- National Institute of Mental Health - Mental Health MedicationsExternal Link
Resources
Archives
- July 2019: STAR Health PMUR FAQ (Spanish)PDF Document
- March 2016: Psychotropic Medication Utilization Parameters for Children and Youth in Foster CarePDF Document
- February 2014: Judges' Reference Table for the September 2013 Psychotropic Medication Utilization Parameters for Foster ChildrenPDF Document
- September 2013: Psychotropic Medication Utilization Parameters for Children and Youth in Foster CarePDF Document
- March 2011: Judges' Reference Table for the December 2010 Psychotropic Medication Utilization Parameters for Foster Children PDF Document
- December 2010: Psychotropic Medication Utilization Parameters for Foster ChildrenPDF Document
- October 2007: Psychoactive Medication Packet for Judges Presiding Over DFPS Conservatorship CasesPDF Document
- January 2007: Psychotropic Medication Utilization Parameters for Foster ChildrenPDF Document
- October 2006: Examining the Foster Care Reimbursement System and Impact on the Prescribing of Psychotropic MedicationPDF Document
- June 2006: Use of Psychoactive Medication in Texas Foster Children State Fiscal Year 2005PDF Document
- February 2005: Psychotropic Medication Utilization Parameters for Foster ChildrenPDF Document
- Sept 2004: Advisory Committee Report - The Use of Psychotropic Medications for Children and Youth in the Texas Foster Care SystemPDF Document
