A new bill would direct the state health department take a more active role in overseeing the prescribing of psychotropic drugs to foster children in New Hampshire.
A federal Inspector General report from last year found New Hampshire had one of the highest rates of foster children receiving drugs for emotional and psychiatric issues.
Republican Representative William Marsh says that inspired this new bill, which would direct the state health department to develop a more rigorous oversight program.
“61% of the kids either didn't have a plan or didn't have a diagnosis in their plan, ok,” said Marsh. “And as a doctor that really bothers me. That's why I filed this bill.”
Marsh says officials at the Department of Health and Human Services agree with the need for the legislation and are supportive of the measure.
