For reasons that are understandable yet hard to countenance, antipsychotic drugs are widely used in nursing homes. Too often over-used, according to government statistics. But it’s beginning to look...
Ask the legal expert … about antipsychotic medication liability
By
John Durso
Dec 01, 2013
I’m an administrator who’s read all of this stuff about overuse of antipsychotics on long-term care residents. I like and trust my director of nursing, medical director and clinical staff —...
Reducing antipsychotics one resident at a time
By
John O'Connor
Dec 02, 2013
Like many bad habits, the overuse of antipsychotics is not going down without a fight. Still, there are reasons for long-term optimism.
Government agency calls off effort to assess antipsychotic use in nursing homes, watchdog group reports
By
Tim Mullaney
Jul 26, 2013
A government investigation into nursing homes’ antipsychotic prescribing practices will not move forward due to budget and staff cuts, according to nonprofit investigative news organization The Center...
CMS updates survey guidelines for antipsychotic drugs in dementia care
By
McKnight's Staff
May 31, 2013
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has updated survey guidelines regarding nursing homes’ use of antipsychotic medications for dementia care. The 59-page interim guidance revises Appendix...
Judge dismisses claims of ‘nationwide’ Medicare fraud in Omnicare antipsychotics case
By
McKnight's Staff
May 23, 2013
Long-term care pharmacy Omnicare will not face charges that it engaged in “nationwide” Medicare fraud for off-label antipsychotics prescriptions, a federal judge recently ruled. However, the...
Long-term care physicians respond to report on antipsychotic over-prescribing
By
McKnight's Staff
May 22, 2013
The top professional association of long-term care physicians and medical directors has reiterated its commitment to reducing the use of antipsychotics for dementia care. It did so Tuesday, in response...
Providers respond to report of inadequate government oversight of antipsychotics prescriptions
By
McKnight's Staff
May 14, 2013
Long-term care organizations have responded to a report that physicians are prescribing antipsychotic medications for seniors without proper oversight from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services....
Report shows slow progress on reducing antipsychotics, but AHCA renews 15% goal for 2013
By
McKnight's Staff
May 07, 2013
Skilled nursing providers fell well short of reaching a 15% reduction in off-label antipsychotic use by the end of 2012, the American Health Care Association announced Monday.
Snoezelen, not snoozing, at 100
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 01, 2013
It’s noteworthy that the Taylor Care Center in Jacksonville, FL, recently marked the 100th birthday of two residents by inviting an Elvis impersonator to perform. More remarkable: The event celebrated...