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Governor Gavin Newsom today signed into law Senate Bill 528, a measure by Senator Brian W. Jones (R-Santee), which will help with the health needs of foster children.
SB 528 specifically ensures that a foster youth's caregiver is provided with important court documents that approve psychotropic medication prescriptions so that they, and medical providers, will have an accurate picture of the current and past health history of the foster child.
“Being the caregiver for a foster youth can present unique challenges for the families that graciously step forward to help out,” stated Senator Brian W. Jones. “One of those challenges should not have to be hunting down critical health and medical information. Given the trauma that many foster children endure before a stable placement, they may have been prescribed certain medications and maintaining consistent medical care is important to their continued health. However, a child may no longer need that medication. Without an accurate health history, it is difficult for a health provider to make that determination accurately. This measure will help foster children, their caregivers, and medical professionals act in the best interest of the foster child.”
SB 528 is sponsored by the California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The bill was approved by the Senate and Assembly on unanimous votes. Upon the Governor’s signature last night, it goes into effect on January 1, 2023.