Medical release to school?

I would like to know if I should fill out a medical release form for my child’s school? The guidance instructor would like to communicate directly with the doctors. Is this routine or could I regret this later due to possible discrimination or liabilities etc.

[Onthemove1971]

Ethomasone- great question. It is my understanding that any time you leave medication at the school and you sign the form to put the medication in the school, they are allowed to contact the doctor.

Just curious why? Communicate what? I'm not sure I would want the school have a private conversation with any doctor's without me being there during the conversation.

Just my thoughts.

[Madmarie in reply to Onthemove1971]

Totally agree!

[Janice_H]

I would be reluctant to sign a release. What does the guidance counselor need to discuss? Typically, if your child has an IEP, the school psychologist is the only individual that would need to have a discussion with the treating physician. This information would then be formally shared with the school's IEP team (IEP chair, principal, teacher, special education teacher, OT/PT therapist).

You do not have to give a reason why you prefer not to release information to the school counselor if you feel uncomfortable.

[Hidden in reply to Janice_H]

Thank you for your info. I’m taking my 8 yr old to Dr and I’m going to ask for medication. I’ve waited three years and am convinced he is a candidate for ADHD treatment. He’s impulsive, unable to focus, noisy, defiant, disturbance to entire class. Plus, Cub Scouts, Taekwondo, Cross Fit, Day Care, Campus Club, all had major problems with my sons behavior.

The school has pressed for me to get Drs. To evaluate him. I’m finally convinced, he will fall behind and lose all social life if I don’t get him immediate help.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to Hidden]

We are here for you if you have any questions about the process. It is great that you are going to give it a trial. I think you will be amazed at the change if it works as well as ours did.

Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to Onthemove1971]

It will be an answer to long term prayer. Tomorrow is our first doctors appt. not sure what to say. I do want to start meds immediately. How can I speed up the process?

[Janice_H in reply to Hidden]

Hi, you are doing the right thing for your son. He is lucky to have a parent who has his best interest at heart. Continue to be courageous and be an advocate for him. Remember that if the first medication does not work, the doctor can adjust the dosage, dosing times or change to a different medication. It takes a while to find the right mix. Good luck with everything!

[OneDayAtATime1]

I personally would not, there is no reason for the counselor to need to communicate directly with the doctors. As the child's parent you should be their first point of contact. Any questions they have should be asked directly to you, then you can make the decision on if you need to speak to your child'd doctor. I have never seen this as something routine all schools do. My son has ADHD and is on medication and I have never been asked by his school for his doctors information. They did however ask for medical records when putting together his 504 plan. I provided them myself which was a single sheet of paper with his diagnosis on it given to me from his doctor.

[Chooser63]

I have b/g 13- yr old twins on ADHD meds. They started a new school this year. They r on 2 different meds. My son started meds in August (long acting) & my daughter started 8/30 (Concerta). Both needed to be increased (based upon circumstances- pls no judging). My point is I needed to take my daughter off yesterday due to mood issues. I alerted the guidance counselor b/c she is following her closely & I feel she should know exactly what’s going on. She sent me an email this AM saying she is doing great & shortly thereafter sent another saying her math asked my daughter to go I the hall during a quiz due to the disruption her tapping is causing. Another kid commented on it as well. I am concerned about her self-esteem & potential depression. I know the school can hold things against u. However, I let the school talk the psychologist but not necessarily a psychiatrist - don’t see a need unless there is an emergency & they can’t get in touch w/ u. Just my opinion.