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2001 SESSION

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HJ 660 Study; ADD & ADH and illegal use of Ritalin and OxyContin.

Introduced by: Robert Tata | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

ADD/ADHD, Ritalin and OxyContin. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the effects of attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on student performance and to investigate the improper prescription and illegal use and diversion of Ritalin and OxyContin. In conducting the study, the joint subcommittee shall (i) determine the number of students diagnosed as having ADD/ADHD in Virginia's public schools, and whether such children receive treatment; (ii) ascertain whether such students also have dual exceptionalities or chronic and acute health problems, and the demand created by these conditions for certain school services; (iii) determine the academic performance levels of such children; (iv) identify other educational, social, and health factors that may compromise their academic performance and educational outcomes; (v) identify school practices to manage, the methods used to treat, and the medications prescribed for and dispensed to ADD/ADHD students in the school setting for their disorder; (vi) evaluate the special education programs and related services provided or which may be provided to meet the needs of such students; (vii) assess the demand for and effectiveness of existing education programs and related services, including school healthservices, by ADD/ADHD students; (viii) evaluate the effect of ADD/ADHD on grade retention, absenteeism, school suspension and expulsion, and disciplinary action taken by public schools; (ix) and make appropriate recommendations that address identified problems and allow public schools to serve such children efficiently and effectively; (x) determine the health conditions for which Ritalin and OxyContin are lawfully prescribed in Virginia; (xi) ascertain the number of such prescriptions for the last five years to determine the rate of increase or decrease, and the cause of any increase in the number of such prescriptions; (xii) determine if Ritalin and OxyContin have been diverted to the street drug trade, and if so, assess the demand for Ritalin and OxyContin as street drugs in Virginia; (xiii) establish whether the use of Ritalin or OxyContin for non-medical purposes is a problem among school-aged children and college students in the Commonwealth; (xiv) consider and explore such other issues as the joint subcommittee may determine pertinent; and (xv) recommend ways to correct problems associated with the over-prescription and the illegal use, possession, and distribution of Ritalin and OxyContin, as appropriate. This resolution incorporates SJR 327 (Miller, Y.B.)

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Study; Establishing a joint subcommittee to study the over-prescription and illegal diversion of Ritalin. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the over-prescription and illegal diversion of Ritalin. The joint subcommittee shall (i) determine the health conditions for which Ritalin is lawfully prescribed in Virginia; (ii) ascertain the number of such prescriptions for the last five years to determine the rate of increase or decrease; (iii) determine Ritalin has been diverted to the street drug trade, and, if so, assess the demand for Ritalin as a street drug; (iv) establish whether the use of Ritalin for non-medical purposes is a problem among school-age children and college students in the Commonwealth; (v) consider and explore such other issues as the joint subcommittee may determine pertinent; and (vi) recommend ways to correct problems associated with the illegal use, distribution, and possession of Ritalin. The Department of State Police, the Board of Medicine, the Board of Pharmacy, the Department of Health, the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, the Department of Education, and the State Council of Higher Education are requested to provide technical assistance for the study. The joint subcommittee must report its findings and recommendations by November 30, 2001, to the Governor and the 2002 Session of the General Assembly.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Study; Establishing a joint subcommittee to study the need and ways to prevent the illegal use of Ritalin. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the need and ways to prevent the illegal use of Ritalin. The joint subcommittee shall (i) determine the health conditions for which Ritalin is lawfully prescribed in Virginia; (ii) ascertain the number of such prescriptions for the last five years to determine the rate of increase or decrease; (iii) determine Ritalin has been diverted to the street drug trade, and, if so, assess the demand for Ritalin as a street drug; (iv) establish whether the use of Ritalin for non-medical purposes is a problem among school-age children and college students in the Commonwealth; (v) consider and explore such other issues as the joint subcommittee may determine pertinent; and (vi) recommend ways to correct problems associated with the illegal use, distribution, and possession of Ritalin. The joint subcommittee's reporting deadline is 2002.