Oklahoma Legislators Introduce Bill to Stop Overuse of Antipsychotic Medications in Nursing Homes
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the state of Oklahoma ranks highest in giving antipsychotic medications to nursing home residents. To stop this practice, a senator introduced a bill that has passed the Senate and that will require a medical diagnosis supporting the need for antipsychotic medications. The bill requires the patient or the legal representative to provide written informed consent for these medications to be administered.
The bill defines antipsychotic drugs as a “drug, sometimes called a major tranquilizer, used to treat symptoms of severe psychiatric disorders, including but not limited to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.”
Some of the concern behind the legislation is due to the unnecessary use of antipsychotic drugs and the negative side effects, particularly for residents with dementia, and the increased number of falls also related to the effects of the drugs.
Notably, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidelines that went into effect November 28, 2017, for using and defining antipsychotic medications (F-757 Drug Regimen is Free from Unnecessary Drugs and F-758 Free from Unnecessary Psychotropic Medications/PRN Use).
Compliance Perspective
Failure to ensure that residents are not receiving unnecessary medications or being given antipsychotic medications inappropriately may be considered substandard quality care with potential for immediate jeopardy.
Discussion Points:
- Review policies and procedures regarding the use of unnecessary medications or using antipsychotic medications inappropriately.
- Train staff on the CMS guidelines for unnecessary medications and psychotropic drugs.
- Periodically audit the medication regimen of residents (particularly those with dementia) for unnecessary medications and inappropriate use of psychotropic drugs.
