GETTYSBURG, Pa., Feb. 11, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OPEN MINDS and Magellan Health Services, a leading specialty health care management company with expertise in managing behavioral health, have announced a new executive web briefing to discuss best-practice approaches for the prescription of psychotropic medications to children, along with a review of an industry-leading drug reference chart. A recently published Magellan white paper concluded the use of such prescriptions can be appropriate; however, parents, caregivers and practitioners must understand the risks and monitor use.
"This is a patient safety issue. The use of psychotropic drugs in children can be appropriate, but they must be used for therapeutic reasons and not simply for behavior control," said Gary Henschen, M.D., chief medical officer of Magellan Health Services' Behavioral Health business unit. "In addition, parents, caregivers and the child need to participate in all aspects of treatment decision-making, including the creation of a plan for use."
The 90-minute executive briefing will take place on March 11, 2014 at 3:00 PM EST. Presenters will include Pat Hunt, the director of child and family resiliency services at Magellan Health Services and Gary Henschen, M.D., chief medical officer of Magellan Health Services' behavioral health business. The briefing will discuss:
- Interventions and the appropriate use of medications treating children with behavioral issues
- Tools to educate on the risks and benefits of psychotropic medications
- Important questions to ask in the development of a child's treatment plan
- The results of Magellan's project to reduce inappropriate prescribing in children
All registrants for the web briefing will receive (at no charge and regardless of attendance) a recording of the webinar and an electronic copy of the briefing presentation slides.
To learn more or take advantage of free online registration, please visit: http://www.openminds.com/events/webinar-031114-magellan-meds.htm.
Magellan Health Services' clinical white paper on this subject is available at no charge in the OPEN MINDS library at: http://www.openminds.com/library/white-papers/magellan-psychotropicdrugs-020314.htm. This document includes a first-in-the industry reference chart of psychotropic drugs commonly prescribed to children, with the FDA approval age, pediatric dosage level, and warnings and/or precautions, including "black box" warnings associated with their use.
Magellan Health Services Inc. is a leading specialty health care management organization with expertise in managing behavioral health, radiology, and pharmacy benefits programs, as well as integrated health care programs for special populations. Magellan delivers innovative solutions to improve quality outcomes and optimize the cost of care for those we serve. As of September 30, 2013, Magellan's customers include health plans, employers and government agencies, serving approximately 33.9 million members in our behavioral health business, 17.5 million members in our radiology benefits management segment, and approximately 9.2 million members in our medical pharmacy management product. In addition, the pharmacy solutions segment served 39 health plans and employers, 25 states and the District of Columbia, and several pharmaceutical manufacturers. For more information, visit www.MagellanHealth.com. For more information, visit www.MagellanHealth.com.
OPEN MINDS is a national health and human service industry market intelligence and management consultation firm. Founded in 1987 and based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the 75+ associates provide innovative management solutions designed to improve operational and strategic performance. Learn more at www.openminds.com.