The Texas legislature takes up a bill today that would give parents more freedom to ignore doctors' recommendations around prescribing psychotropic medications to treat mental health conditions. As Texas Public Radio reports, House Bill 1151 is being heard in public committee. The bill would expand parental rights, making it possible to ignore doctors’ recommendations around powerful psychotropic drugs. The legislation would make it impossible to terminate their parental rights if they don’t administer the powerful medications.
Some child welfare advocates in the state have expressed concern about children with severe mental health needs, whose safety they say is at risk without the meds. If a child’s safety is put at “Substantial Risk” of harm as a result of the choice, the exemption is moot and kids can be removed from homes. The bill follows two sessions where lawmakers have dramatically reduced the state’s ability to intervene in families on behalf of children.
