Drug therapy for persons with developmental disabilities: Legislation and litigation

Given the current Zeitgeist that psychologists be granted medication prescription privileges, it is important that as clinicians they be aware of the legislation and litigation that currently provide guidelines for the use of psychotropic drugs. Recent legislation and litigation arising from the use of psychotropic drugs with persons who are developmentally disabled are used as the basis for discussion, although the implications cover all clinical populations typically served by psychologists for whom medication may be a viable treatment option. At present, institutions, physicians, and drug companies can be held legally and financially liable for injuries resulting from the use and misuse of psychotropic medication. The same conditions will apply to psychologists if or when they begin prescribing medication.