Physicians FAQ's - Questions

Questions regarding DCFS policy and consent for psychotropic medications

1. Do I need consent to start a DCFS ward on psychotropic medications?
2. To whom should I submit the psychotropic medication request form CFS 431-A?
3. How does the Consent Process work?
4. What should I do if I don’t get a response within 48 hours or if I have a question regarding consent for psychotropic medication?
5. What are the reasons for delays in receiving consents?
6. What is the policy on prescribing PRNs or as needed medications?
7. What if there is a mistake on the consent I receive?
8. Do I need to get a renewal for a refill or a new consent when the placement or physician has changed?
9. Do I need to get consent if I switch from one medication to a second medication in the same class, such as switching from an amphetamine to a medication in the methylphenidate family?
10. I have a patient who requires a medication that is not on the Medicaid Prescription Program Preferred Drug List.Do I need to get approval from DCFS and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services?
11. I am a pediatrician comfortable treating certain mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and ADHD but sometimes I would like some advice on how to manage these patients.  Are there consultation services available to he me manage these cases?
12. How do I obtain a copy of a consent if I’ve lost mine, a child has come to a new placement or is hospitalized without a copy of the consent?
13. What is the policy on continuing a psychotropic medication for a child who is new to DCFS, arriving at a new placement or admitted to a hospital without a copy of the consent?

Questions regarding the UIC Consultation Team and response to medication requests

1. Why can’t I speak directly to the UIC consultant?
2. Why is it necessary for the consultation team to recommend tests/procedures?
3. What effect does a black box warning have on my consent request?
4. Why do I have to get DCFS consent to treat a medical condition such as enuresis?
5. Why is fluoxetine the preferred antidepressant for DCFS wards?
6. What are the most frequent reasons for denied consent requests?
7. What are the most frequently modified medication requests?
8. My consent request for medications was denied.  What recourse do I have if I disagree with the consultant’s recommendation?
9. When a child needs a higher dose of medication than the FDA recommends FDA approval (off label dosing), are additional steps needed with DCFS?

Questions related to filling out the consent request form

1. Where can I go to get help in completing the psychotropic medication request form?
2. Is it appropriate to copy completed forms and send them in every six months (180days) for renewals?
3. Do I need to get consent to change the dosage of a patient’s medication if I have just initiated treatment and am in the process of titrating the dosage?