Ritalin Bill Advances to Final Vote

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Local pediatricians have come out in opposition to the so-called "Ritalin Bill," which restricts teachers from recommending drugs for students with behavioral problems. In a break from standard procedure, State Senators today heard from pediatrician Tom Metcalf during floor debate on the bill.

"If you pass a state law with penalties, teachers and school psychologists will be afraid to give me input and the kids will suffer from treatable conditions because of the lack of communication," says Metcalf.

Metcalf says the bill is "totally unnecessary" because the State School Board already has rules prohibiting teachers from diagnosing behavioral disorders or requiring a student be medicated as a condition of class participation. A doctor who supports the bill also spoke to the State Senate, expressing concern that Utah is a quote "over-medicated society." State Senator Chris Buttars invited the doctors to speak in hopes of convincing his colleagues to support the bill.

"It goes to great lengths on all the ways you can communicate with parents, except a teacher cannot recommend a particular drug," says Buttars. "If teachers are confused, this straightens out that confusion and clearly delineates what is allowed and what is not."

Two years ago both the House and Senate approved a bill that was nearly identical to the current version. It was subsequently vetoed by Governor Jon Huntsman Junior. Sponsors of the measure say they have made a few technical changes that now satisfy the Governor. Senators have given their preliminary approval for the "Ritalin Bill" and will likely pass it on Thursday.

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