Joseph T. Burns: “Yesterday, September 7, was ADD Awareness Day. Millions of Americans suffer from attention deficit disorder.…”

“Yesterday, September 7, was ADD Awareness Day. Millions of Americans suffer from attention deficit disorder. Fortunately, when ADD is accurately diagnosed, it can be effectively treated. Unfortunately, when it is misdiagnosed, the treatment can be harmful. Last year I introduced in this body the Child Medication Safety Act, H.R. 1170. It passed 425 to 1. Unfortunately, it has seen no action in the other body. It has been blocked by the objections of a single Member in spite of overwhelming congressional and public support. This medication is not antimedication. This legislation is not antimedication. It is not antischool. It does not limit teacher or school involvement. It is designed to protect children. It does provide for parents and medical professionals to determine if a child needs medication for ADD. This legislation is simple. It prohibits schools from requiring children to take a stimulant such as Ritalin or Aderal or other drugs as a precondition for attending that school. Mr. Speaker, I urge the other body to take immediate action. We must protect children from inappropriate medication, and we must allow parents and medical professionals to determine the medical treatments for their child.”