This Procedure Letter (PL) transmits clarification for Private Non-Custodial Agencies (PNA) and Private Child Placing Agencies (PCPA) in regard to the psychotropic medication agency policy requirement specified in OAC 5101:2-5-13 (A)(29).

The following is a brief clarification:

• This rule requires all agencies to develop an agency policy monitoring the appropriate use of psychotropic medications for children in foster care to include:

1.Comprehensive and coordinated screening, assessment, and treatment planning mechanisms to identify the child's mental health and trauma-treatment needs including a psychiatric or medical evaluation, as necessary, to identify needs for psychotropic medication.

2.Informed and shared decision-making and methods for ongoing communication between the prescriber, the child, the child's parents or caregivers, other healthcare providers, and the agency case worker.

3.Effective medication monitoring for the children placed in care.

• After reviewing the information, ODJFS has determined the only item that would be applicable to PCPAs and PNAs is the effective medication monitoring for the children placed in care. When addressing the first two items in their agency policy, the PNAs and PCPAs need only refer to the fact that these two items are a function of a public agency and the items are not applicable.