State ward drug task force proposed

The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony Jan. 20 on a bill that would require creation of a task force to examine prescription of psychotropic drugs to children who are wards of the state.

LB837, sponsored by Omaha Senator Gwen Howard, would require the committee to create the task force, comprising 10 lay members and 11 government representatives.

Howard said a recent federal report indicated that foster children are more likely than the general public to be medicated and that the drugs used can cause serious side effects, including seizures and suicidal thoughts.

In addition, she said, the mental disease and trauma suffered by foster children often is exacerbated by a lack of comprehensive and coordinated health care.

“I believe the turmoil of reform has only highlighted the likely risks,” Howard said.

Caitlin Pardue of Voices for Children in Nebraska testified in support of the bill, saying psychotropic drugs can create more problems than they solve when used without other forms of therapy.

“Medication is often seen as a quick fix for many behavioral problems … but they’re only addressing the surface level,” Pardue said.

No opposition testimony was given and the committee took no immediate action on the bill.