(SACRAMENTO)- Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona), Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, released the following statement regarding the Department of Health Care Services’ lack of data on prescribing psychotropic drugs to foster kids:
“I am appalled that inaction by the Department of Health Care Services has delayed the results of an audit examining the alleged over-prescribing of mind-altering drugs to our foster youth” said Rodriguez. “Here we are almost a year after the committee approved the audit with no results. By not providing this information, the Department is interfering with the Legislature’s ability to exercise its oversight authority and responsibilities.”
This statewide audit will provide the Legislature and the public with critical information and data on the use of psychotropic drugs on foster youth. One week before the scheduled publication date of the audit, the State Auditor learned that the Department of Health Care Services had not provided all of the information requested for a complete analysis. As a result, the release of the audit will be delayed.
“This egregious neglect is either the result of incompetence or deception. As Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, I will continue to closely monitor the Department of Health Care Services to ensure transparency and accountability,” said Assemblymember Rodriguez.
The audit, requested by Senator McGuire and approved by the audit committee on August 25, 2015, included a review of the Department of Social Services, the Department of Health Care Services, and county child welfare service agencies that have oversight and monitoring responsibilities of children in foster care who have been prescribed psychotropic medications.
Assemblymember Rodriguez represents the 52nd Assembly District which includes the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona and portions of unincorporated Fontana.