Pennsylvania
Special Education Hearing Officer
DECISION
Child’s Name: John Doe
Date of Birth: Redacted
ODR No. 01842-1011 AS
CLOSED HEARING
Parties to the Hearing: Parent(s)
North Penn School District 401 East Hancock Street Lansdale, PA 19446-3690
Representative: Pro Se
Kyle J. Somers, Esquire
Dischell, Bartle, Yanoff & Dooley 1800 Pennbrook Parkway, Suite 200 Lansdale, PA 19446-0107
Date of Resolution Meeting: January 4, 2011
Dates of Hearing: February 9, 2011; March 21, 2011
Record Closed: April 22, 2011 1
Date of Decision: May 6, 2011
Hearing Officer: William F. Culleton, Jr., Esquire
INTRODUCTION AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Student at all relevant times resided within the North Penn School District (District). (NT 29-16 to 30-5, 31-20 to 25.) The Student is identified with Other Health Impairment and Specific Learning Disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §1401 et seq. (IDEA). (NT 31-14 to 16; S-3 p. 13.)1 The District brought this request for due process, seeking an order authorizing it to proceed with a psychiatric examination of the Student as part of an educational reevaluation, due to asserted behaviors and statements that cause concern to its staff. Parent(s) oppose(s) this request, asserting that it is unnecessarily intrusive into the Student’s privacy.
The hearing was conducted and concluded in two sessions and the record closed upon receipt of written summations. I find for the District and order the requested relief.
ISSUES
- Is it appropriate under the IDEA that the District seek to evaluate the Student through a psychiatric examination?
- Should the hearing officer order that the District is permitted to proceed with a psychiatric examination of the Student without parental consent?