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J.R. Renoude and his mother, Debbie Renoude, feed ducks at Lake Sacajawea recently. J.R., who is autistic, just finished his last year in Rainier School District special education program on a sour note. Roger Werth / The Daily News

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Rainier mom left with few answers after school mishandles son's medication

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:34 AM PDT

By Leila Summers

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RAINIER — The way Debbie Renoude sees it, there are two explanations for why high school staff couldn’t account for all her son’s medication when she checked on them this spring.

Neither is good.

One. Someone stole or lost the prescription Diazepam pills — a generic form of Valium.

Two. They were given to her autistic son, 21-year-old J.R. Renoude, without her authorization or notification.

The incident sparked an inconclusive Columbia County sheriff’s office investigation and a change in the way the district tracks and safeguards student medications, but Renoude isn’t leaving the matter there.

“It’s a thing I want people to be aware of. Not because it’s Rainier School District, but, when you trust someone with medication...,” she said, cutting short to prevent choking up.

“I’m a parent of a child that needs an advocate for him, that cannot take care of himself, that depends on other people,” she added.

A severe seizure last summer landed J.R. in the hospital for five days. Doctors prescribed two different doses of Diazepam: a 2 milligram dose to calm him when he becomes agitated and highly frustrated, a 5 milligram dose if he went into a full-fledged seizure.

Renoude said she met with high school special-education staff last fall and asked them to notify her before giving her son a 2 milligram pill, or to let her know immediately after. If staff needed to administer a 5 milligram pill, they were supposed to notify Renoude immediately, as well.

According to Renoude, she gave the school 20 of the 2 milligram pills and 12 of the 5 milligram pills when school started last fall. During the school year, staff called twice to inform Renoude that they had given J.R. single doses of the 2 milligram pills.

However, when she visited school in April to check on her son’s medications, Renoude said, she found that five of the 2-milligram pills were missing or, perhaps, had been given to J.R. without being recorded.

Also, there were only two 5 milligram pills left, meaning that 10 were unaccounted for. Her son’s medical log did not indicate that he had been given any 5 milligram pills.

That log did record one occasion, however, that two doses of 2 milligram pills were given to J.R. on Nov. 6.

Renoude said that she was never notified of that, and added, “there is no way I would ever authorize two (doses) in one day.”

When asked what Renoude thinks happened to the missing medicine, she said she didn’t know.

“I could assume a lot of stuff, a lot of stuff,” she said.

When she told staff about the missing medication, the school called the Columbia County sheriff’s office. Deputy T. Caldwell interviewed Kristen Carrico, special education director for Rainier Public Schools, and Laurie Womack, the school nurse.

According to Caldwell’s report, “I was told the medication was locked up in a storage cabinet inside the classroom. Mrs. Carrico said the key to the cabinet hangs on the back side of the cabinet.”

Interviews with other staff, including special ed teacher Patty Douglas, were inconclusive. Caldwell concluded district procedures may have been violated, that many people come and go from the classroom, and that “it is unknown if the medication was taken.”

He did note that Douglas was “the teacher of the special education class and is in charge of the medication sheets.”

In a recent interview with a reporter, Carrico agreed the missing paper work was “highly suspicious.” As a result, the district “tightened up our policy and practice,” she said.

Medicine and medical records are no longer kept in the special education classroom, where numerous people could have accessed them, she said. Now, they’re stored in a locked cabinet in the school nurse’s office.

“We decided the best policy was to have the school nurse have all the medications,” Carrico said. “We’re sure ... the medication was not misused by anyone or used for chemical restraint, as the allegation was.”

“The police couldn’t find that there’s even reason to believe the pills were missing,” Carrico said.

Carrico wouldn’t comment on employee discipline related to the incident. District records show Douglas was put on paid administrative leave this spring, but officials would not comment on whether the unaccounted for medications were a factor. The Daily News was unable to locate Douglas, who has since resigned from her position.

If J.R. Renoude was having behavior problems, his mom said she wanted to take him home for the day. Not knowing what drugs were given to her son is a scary thought, she said.

“I feel my son was violated,” she said. “My son was given medicine he didn’t need.”

Renoude said her son rarely exhibits behavioral problems. Unlike most autistic people, J.R. is quite social and outgoing.

“He just loves to communicate with people,” she said, but also describes him as “very delayed. He can’t read. He can hardly write his name.”

Renoude said she’s reported the problem to the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission and Oregon Department of Education. The OTSPC agreed to investigate the matter, but no one has contacted Renoude about findings, Renoude said. The ODE told Renoude they would contact the school nurse about changing the school’s medication policy.

Carrico said policy changes by the district will prevent any future misunderstandings.

“I wish we had another year or two with her son so we could build the trust back up,” Carrico said. “This is a bad way for us to part company.”

Editor's note: A previous version of this story used a wrong spelling for the drug Diazepam.

SASSY wrote on Jun 25, 2008 7:22 AM:

" IF A PERSCRIPTION DRUG HAD TO BE TAKEN TO SCHOOL, THERE SHOULD HAVE ONLY BEEN ENOUGH SENT FOR THAT DAY. WHY WAS SO MANY PILLS LEFT AT THE SCHOOL ? AND WHY WASN'T THERE JUST ONE PERSON ADMINISTERING THE DRUG ? (SUCH AS THE SCHOOL NURSE) I WOULD LOOK INTO THIS VERY DEEP. WITH THE DRUG PROBLEM IN OREGON AND WASH. WHO KNOWS, WHAT MY HAVE HAPPENED ??? DIG DEEP !!! "

lucky1 wrote on Jun 25, 2008 7:55 AM:

" I beleive the medicine should have been kept locked in the nurses office to begin with. This only makes sense. "

Girth VonPhister wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:20 AM:

" Maybe she should just take care of her son at home and stop blaming the school. I am sure it is no picnic for the staff to take care of a 21 year-old high school student. Mistakes happen. So what?? And to TDN, you spelled the name of the drug incorrectly...Your censors won't let me spell it for you...Figure it out.. "

working mom wrote on Jun 25, 2008 11:39 AM:

" I have a 16yr old Son with Autism and feel it's my job as his Mother to see he gets his meds. I have set up the time line so that he gets all meds by 7am (before he leaves for school)

As for taking care of her son at home,I'm sure she does just that. Autism can take over your life and the lives of everyone in the family if you let it. Few people have what it takes to care for people with Autism. Also, Children with special needs have until they are 25 to finish school. Hope it all works out. "

columbian wrote on Jun 25, 2008 11:48 AM:

" TO GIRTH VON PHISTER-Sounds like you should need some meds, what a message you send.Ya dont blame the school.Who do you blame? Just another day around the schools in Rainier.Maybe the nurse needs to be put on administrative leave.BUT WHATS TO ODDS ON THAT? Just another page in the troubles at our school and more closed sessions at board meetings. "

Buford McGee wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:04 PM:

" There are state requirements and standards on administrating medication at school. It does not sound like the school is living up to or following state requirements. "

rosy wrote on Jun 25, 2008 2:06 PM:

" What's being overlooked is interesting. To the best of my knowledge, schools keep and dispense certain drugs as a matter of course. And guys, keeping a pill to be given for a seizure, well that pill pretty much has to be with the student I would imagine. Also, schools admit responsibility for providing a safe environment. Missing pills indicate many things, but safety isn't one of them. "

Carsick wrote on Jun 25, 2008 2:08 PM:

" It's so sad that people who are supposed to be responsible for our children's safety and well being while they're in school can't even do their jobs. Drugs are too much of a temptation for many people, and should never have been anywhere on school grounds except locked up in the nurse's office. "

longview citizen wrote on Jun 25, 2008 2:28 PM:

" #1 this mother does and has made sure her son's meds worked around his school schedule, if you read the article these pills were for anxiety attacks and seizures they are not daily meds only as needed and #2 yes it is the schools responsibility since they have a state authorized special ed course to administer these types of meds. This mother is not blaming anyone specific she is blaming the procedures and policies which obviously MUSDT be changed immediatly. Someone had best get with it or they could really have some problems. What if a student took these and started handing them out, how many parents would take notice then. This is a scary scary situation and must be addressed SOON!!! "

Girth VonPhister wrote on Jun 25, 2008 2:30 PM:

" Let's face the facts. The schools are merely providing very expensive day care for most of these "special needs" children, so their parents can get a break every day. I don't care who you are or what you say, the overwhelming majority of these children will need some kind of government sponsored assiatance for their entire lives and are getting little if any benefit from their so-called education. That is a fact and you cannot deny it. So when something like this incident occurs, you must look at the big picture. If the parents are so concerned, perhaps they should take the responsibility of dispensing their child's medications themselves. Don't rely on someone else to do it for them...It's a school, not a clinic or a day care.. "

just a mom wrote on Jun 25, 2008 2:31 PM:

" Girth VonPhister - what an insensitive remark you made. This students has every right to be in school until he's 22. There are specially trained educators who can happily deal with and take care of these students. I am glad you don't have any special needs children, people with your attitude wouldn't be able to have the love or compassion it takes. wow. "

just a mom wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:11 PM:

" Get little or no benefit? I take it you have been in the classrooms observing these children? Have you taken note of any progresss made, socially as well as academically? THESE STUDENTS HAVE A RIGHT TO GO TO SCHOOL. Will your next post say we should lock them in a closet? Next time get up on the other side of the bed, then go online and read about the benefits. "

columbian wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:24 PM:

" GIRTH VON PHISTER:Seems you have a ax to grind with this boys family or him.If you dont think this program works take time and visit APPLIED IND.in Longview and ask where they get most of the young people.Most come from young men and women out of this program.sad that you dont know the needs of handycapped people.PS take some time and smell the roses. "

justareader wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:26 PM:

" Handicapped students DO learn from their time at school. They may not learn the same as the "regular" students but they are learning. They need the socialization with others as well as much repetition. It takes special people to handle this. The "regular" students learn from them also. They learn patience and understanding. The school, via its' policys, HAS to have control over ALL medicines. With some new policies in place and patience from everyone, we should be able to regain control over this problem. By the way, there is just something really, really special when an autistic or down syndrome child gives you a smile! WE have the ability. WE should have the greater understanding. "

Louie wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:33 PM:

" VonPhister seems to be a insensitive jerk and the Rainier School District seems to be having a myriad of problems.
This medication should definitely have been under lock in the nurse's office and I would suggest that not that many pills be sent in the first place. Mom could get a update weekly from the school on whether meds were given and if more pills needed to be supplied. "

Kalama Dude wrote on Jun 25, 2008 4:03 PM:

" Yet another good reason why Kalama does not miss the new man in charge over there. Good luck! "

Girth VonPhister wrote on Jun 25, 2008 4:03 PM:

" Call me insensitive if you like. I prefer to call myself a realist. These so-called teschers are no more than glorified babysitters. I have no axe to grind with anybody. I simply believe it isn't the best use of resources trying to "educate" a child whom may not have any real learning potential. As I said before, you cannot deny the fact that some of these kids will never benefit from thie "education". Nor will they lead any semblence of a normal or productive life. Period! And Applied Industries is the exception, not the rule... "

Kaijakoira wrote on Jun 25, 2008 4:34 PM:

" Girth VonPhister, Your lack of writing skills & inability to think things through shows that you gained very little benefit from your taxpayer-sponsored education. Apparently your teachers, too, were glorified babysitters. As someone who has worked with developmentally disabled individuals for 20+ years, I can tell you that "wasting" resources to educate special needs students DOES significantly reduce the amount of support they need later in life. "

Girth VonPhister wrote on Jun 25, 2008 4:45 PM:

" I made a couple of typos and that's the best you can come up with? Give yourself a big pat on the back. But you said it yourself. The education only REDUCES the assistance they need later in life. And that isn't even a guarantee. I'm sorry if you take it personally, but I stand by my opinion. I too have been witness to many of these children being "educated", and by and large it is a huge waste of taxpayer's money..Sorry.. "

columbian wrote on Jun 25, 2008 5:57 PM:

" VON PESTERED : The boy, JR is one of the nicest boys around, different yes. Ever seen a child chase a foul ball and make his day, or come tell you you're his friend, or praise his friends about the things they can do knowing he will never be able to. That's JR, waves at every car that goes by his house. Maybe some of us would be better off if we were a little like JR. JR likes everyone and his time at school has helped him. I've been there and have seen it. "

Kaijakoira wrote on Jun 25, 2008 5:57 PM:

" FYI, prejudice based on disability is every bit as tasteless & potentially damaging as any other type of prejudice (racism, sexism, religious prejudice, etc.) and discrimination against people with disabilities is illegal in this country. "

Proud Mama wrote on Jun 25, 2008 6:47 PM:

" Girth VonPhister you are indeed in dire need of an education yourself. Show me the peer-reviewed scientific research that supports your assinine position. You lead me to believe that you don't support quality of life for everyone. Let's all hope you don't get sick and need around the clock assistance, or better yet that you don't have a child or a grandchild suffer a traumatic brain injury, then we could all throw them under the bus like you would. Seriously, you kiss your mother with that ignorant filth spewing from your mouth. DISGUSTING! "

Rosey Glasses wrote on Jun 25, 2008 7:15 PM:

" Girth: I have a cousin who's youngest son is autistic. He was also abused by his mother's bf after she left my cousin. My cousin and his mother worked daily (his mother died last December and threw this kid off balance for weeks). This boy when I meet him would walk through the house talking to the walls and nothing more. Now he greets me as "the cousin" and gives me hugs (unheard of touching him before) talks whole conversations with me. This because the "special ed" and family both worked with him all the time, routine was a big thing. He has a daily routine that has not changed in 20 years except for working a job instead of going to school. He graduated from highschool, can read and knows who everyone is. It took many years for him to remember me, but I am very happy to see him now and how much he as progressed. Don't knock these people, they deserve our praises when something like this comes together. (btw, cousin lives in small town in Wyoming, not here). "

Girth VonPhister wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:28 PM:

" WOW! I really struck a chord with some people. It is too bad a person cannot express their views without being attacked personally. I won't stoop to that level, but for the record... I am not a racist, I believe in gay marriage, I beleive in a woman's right to choose, I believe I have the right to own a gun. I also believe that we have become a culture more focused on quantity of life vs. quality of life. If you don't agree, perhaps you should ask the kid with cerebral palsy mental retardation who sits in a wheelchair, wearing diapers and drooling all day long if he/she is having any fun.. "

Girth VonPhister wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:33 PM:

" And I don't believe in God either.....Sorry. And yes, I have as you call it, bred. My Son spent a year of his life in Iraq, defending our right to have this discussion... "

Girth VonPhister wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:44 PM:

" This is my last comment on the subject, but here goes... In this world of the ever-shrinking tax dollar, schools struggling to survive and cutting programs left and right, does it make sense to spend 40-50K per year on one or two students? Wouldn't that money better spent truly educating our young people, rather than just babysitting a few??? I never said or even intimated that NO special needs children benefit from education, but there are many, many who do not. You would be hard-pressed to prove otherwise. I suspect by the nature of some of these comments, that some people here might have thier hands in the very cookie jar I am talking about. Teachers and such...Biased??? Never.. "

kelsomom1 wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:18 PM:

" Girth VonPhister: It is nice of you to inform me that I am spending money on an education that will merit me the title of "glorified babysitter!" Good for you! Now for the real news on the subject of special needs children and education. I work with these children and I can tell you that from day one, any person who tells me that these kids do not benefit from being in a classroom is so wrong! Perhaps you should volunteer for a period of time in a classroom (we all love visitors) and find out for yourself how much they can and do learn! As far as the pill issue, those items should never have been in that classroom, they should have been under the supervision of the school nurse and in her control, not the job of the special ed. teacher in this case. You might want to consider the volunteering, VonPhister, unless you are afraid of getting an education yourself. "

columbian wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:41 PM:

" We have a son that grew up a block from where I live in RAINIER went to special ed.schools here.Went on to work full time,live in a group home.Cannot read but leads a full life.Does his own cooking.His skills come from schooling in special ed.classes.And I can say he'one of my best friends.GOOD JOB DAVE. "

MAMA IN THE HOUSE wrote on Jun 26, 2008 6:33 AM:

" Girth Von Phister you are something else. As a mother with a child with a disability you terrify me. I didn't know that people like you still existed.
How sad! "

Carsick wrote on Jun 26, 2008 7:24 AM:

" Why is it such a challenge for people to read a news story and comment on it? Is it really necessary to have post after post criticizing other people's opinions, which they have every right to express, instead of commenting on the story itself? "

Proud Mama wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:12 AM:

" I'll tell you why carsick. Some of us feel a sense of responsibility to educate others who are ignorant. Just because you have an opinion does not mean that it is not subject to debate or controversy. Suppose someone wanted to start genocide here in this country. Should we shut up and listen? I think not. What VonPhister is proposing in his opinion is that we take away the rights of people with disabilities to be educated because he thinks it is a waste of money. I ONLY wish the schools were spending $40,000 to $50,000 per year on these kids, most would be reading and writing at grade level with that kind of financial support with the right intervention. The sad fact is they are not. Special education is underfunded. I just find it so egregious that VonPhister can make an assumption about someone just because they appear to be disabled. Look at Stephen Hawking. Who could have predicted that he had such a brilliant mind. According to VonPhister it would have been a waste of money to educate him. The truth is none of us can predict anyone's potential in life.BUT WE ALL have a RIGHT to FIND IT. Remember VonPhister, your son fought for the disabled also. "

citizen wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:35 AM:

" Girth...there's your problem..You don't believe in God.

Rainier School needs to be accountable for this. Every tablet dispensed should have been documented thoroughly and at least two people present to distribute the meds every single time. Why would a school be any different than a hospital when dispensing meds. They are responsible, they took on the responsibility to dispense meds, and I hope heads roll. Just another reason my kids never will go to Rainier Schools. The school can't be trusted. "

MrsW wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:50 AM:

" Girth-not all children who are on meds are retarted or a waste of time. My son is ADHD and is required to take meds twice daily-once of which is lunchtime. I entrust the school to dispense it because he is only 6. Would you prefer that I take time from work to drive to him and give it myself? I also have autistic nieces and nephews and with the proper medication and EDUCATION they will grow up to be self sufficient adults that work and contribute to the social security pool that you will rely on. Next time why don't you be a little more sensitive? Do you not realize that ADD, ADHD and autism are the fastest growing childhood disorders? "

LongviewRez wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:59 AM:

" Once again Rainier's small-town, laid back style shines through. Medication of that type should be under professional lock and key (school nurse). "

Mom wrote on Jun 26, 2008 12:34 PM:

" The Renoudes are my relatives and they are loving and kind people. I used to spend time at their house when I was young and I remember such happy and pleasant times. I felt so safe at their beautiful home. They hold a very special place in my heart. I am so sorry you had to go through that. That's just horrible!!! I know you've been through alot over the years and this obstacle shows your bravery to have brought this to the attention of the community. I appreciate that. As a mom myself I know that communication is the key to prevent mistakes and the key to fixing mistakes as well. Thank you. "

mole wrote on Jun 26, 2008 2:35 PM:

" GIRTH VONPHISTER OR WHAT EVER,YOUR MOM SHOULD WASH YOUR MOUTH WITH SOAP,GET REAL,TRY WALK TEN FEET IN HER SHOES YOU WOULD CRY LIKE A BABY!!!! "

dbr wrote on Jun 26, 2008 2:55 PM:

" I would like to ask the folks that think the medicine should be locked up in the nurse's office what the staff is supposed to do when the nurse is not there. How far is it from the special ed classroom to the nurse's office? If the kid is having seizures, what is he doing taking pills anyway? It seems to me that a suppository would be better. I value my fingers and would not want them bit off trying to give pills to someone seizing. This whole thing seems a bit weird to me. "

Huggygramma wrote on Jun 26, 2008 3:16 PM:

" Citizen: Normally I take issue with your comments, but not on this one. You clearly have an understanding of how medication dispensing is done in a clinical setting. This problem would have been avoided by following the appropriate protocol. The drug cabinet should have been double-locked with 2 parties holding the separate keys to the locks. No way for any pilfering, then. Is the school nurse an R.N.? If so, she should have had very thorough training in medication dispensing. "

Carsick wrote on Jun 26, 2008 4:00 PM:

" Proud Mama, you are wasting your time and effort trying to "educate others who are ignorant" on this issue. They aren't going to change their opinion no matter how unreasonable it seems to the rest of us. Has anyone considered that some people make over the top comments just to get a rise out of other people for their own entertainment? By arguing with their posts and trying to convince them how wrong they are, you're giving them exactly what they want. "

Kaijakoira wrote on Jun 26, 2008 5:48 PM:

" dbr has a good point: Seizure meds should be (securely) stored in or near the classroom rather than in the nurse's office to avoid delay that could result in a health-threatening increase in seizure intensity & duration. The meds should, of course, be locked up & counted/documented DAILY by two people (as is routinely done with controlled substances in most care facilities). Depending on the type of seizure, there may be a "window of opportunity" during which the person comes out of seizure for a very brief time, during which oral medication can be safely administered. (Meds via suppository are prescribed if a person usually doesn't come out of status epilepticus long enough to take oral meds.) Of course you NEVER give anything by mouth to someone who is unresponsive or unconscious, and NOTHING should be placed in the mouth of someone having a seizure. "

columbian wrote on Jun 26, 2008 6:24 PM:

" NEVER IN MY LIFE HAVE I SEEN SO MUCH GO ON IN A SCHOOL DIST.DAY AFTER DAY,RECALL DIDNT GET VERY FAR BUT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.SOMEONE NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS.SCHOOL BOARD LETS SEE IF YOU HAVE HEARD THE PEOPLE TELL YOU SOMETHING.IT SEEMS FUNNY THE ONE PUT ON LEAVE ISNT THE ONE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN OVERSEEING THIS ERROR.WHAT ABOUT THE DIRECTOR AND THE NURSE.GO BOARD "

Proud Mama wrote on Jun 26, 2008 7:56 PM:

" Good point, carsick. I will try to keep it in mind. This issue is just very close to my heart. "

columbian wrote on Jun 28, 2008 9:24 PM:

" STILL THINK WE NEED A DEAN OF PILLS. "

columbian wrote on Jun 28, 2008 9:31 PM:

" SEEMS TO ME THE NURSE HAS TIES WITH PART OF THE BOARD.JUST ANOTHER WELL IT ISNT A CRIME.NO ONE EVER OVERDOSED ON VALIUM,NOW RITALIN THAT ANOTHER STORY SCHOOLS TAKE CARE OF THAT. "

columbian wrote on Jul 8, 2008 7:32 AM:

" I will be glad to see the outcome on this.Seeing whos involved bet theres some covering up going on.Just another day in the rainier school dist. "

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