"Ritalin Bill" Is Back Again

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Public school rules generally prohibit teachers from recommending - or requiring - that an unruly child take behavior-altering medications. But State Representative Mike Morley wants that prohibition to be state law. And he's planning a third try at his so-called "Ritalin Bill," which has already been vetoed once by Governor Jon Huntsman Junior.

Morley says he's revised the bill to please Huntsman and other critics who worry it places too many restrictions on teachers. Rather, Morley says his bill is meant to protect teachers from liability. When a teacher thinks a student may need psychotropic medication, the bill urges that teacher to refer the parents to the school counselor. Morley says his measure gives counselors more flexibility in what they can discuss with a parent because they are trained mental health professionals.

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