Cal. Code Regs. tit. 15 § 1125

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 41, October 11, 2024

Section 1125 - Psychotropic Medications for Minors in Jail

The health administrator/responsible physician, in cooperation with the mental health director and the facility administrator, shall develop written policies and procedures governing the use of voluntary and involuntary psychotropic medications for minors.

(a) These policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) protocols for physicians' written and verbal orders for psychotropic medications in dosages appropriate to the minor's need;

(2) limitation to the length of time required for a physician's signature on verbal orders;

(3) the length of time voluntary and involuntary medications may be ordered and administered before re-evaluation by a physician;

(4) provision that minors who are on psychotropic medications prescribed in the community are continued on their medications pending re-evaluation and further determination by a physician;

(5) provision that the necessity for continuation on psychotropic medications is addressed in pre-release planning and prior to transfer to another facility or program; and,

(6) provision for regular clinical/administrative review of utilization patterns for all psychotropic medications, including every emergency situation.

(b) Psychotropic medications shall not be administered to a minor absent an emergency unless informed consent has been given by the parent/guardian or the court.

(1) Minors shall be informed of the expected benefits, potential side effects and alternatives to psychotropic medications.

(2) Absent an emergency, minors may refuse treatment.

(c) Minors found by a physician to be a danger to themselves or others by reason of a mental disorder may be involuntarily given psychotropic medication immediately necessary for the preservation of life or the prevention of serious bodily harm, and when there is insufficient time to obtain consent from the parent, guardian, or court before the threatened harm would occur. It is not necessary for harm to take place prior to initiating treatment.

(d) Administration of psychotropic medication is not allowed for disciplinary reasons.

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 15, § 1125

1. New section filed 6-23-2003; operative 7-23-2003 (Register 2003, No. 26).
2. Amendment of subsection (a)(2) and Note filed 8-20-2012; operative 9-19-2012 (Register 2012, No. 34).
3. Amendment of subsection (c) filed 1-26-2017; operative 4-1-2017 (Register 2017, No. 4).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 6024 and 6030, Penal Code. Reference: Section 6030, Penal Code.