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Medicare News

CMS, Partners to Reduce Antipsychotic Drugs for Dementia in Nursing Homes

Government joins providers, caregivers, patients to ensure better use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes; follows bi-partisan senate action to curb use of the drugs<

May 31, 2012 - With a goal of reducing use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing home residents by 15 percent by the end of this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services yesterday introduced the Partnership to Improve Dementia Care. No doubt a motivating factor is a bill crafted by Sen. Herb Kohl, chair of the Special Committee on Aging, that will require Health and Human Services to gain consent from nursing home patients or their guardians prior to the administration of these drugs.

In making the announcement, CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner, said the initiative to ensure appropriate care and use of antipsychotic medications for nursing home patients is a partnership among federal and state partners, nursing homes and other providers, advocacy groups and caregivers

Unnecessary antipsychotic drug use is a significant challenge in ensuring appropriate dementia care, according to CMS. Agency data show that in 2010 more than 17 percent of nursing home patients had daily doses exceeding recommended levels.

We want our loved ones with dementia to receive the best care and the highest quality of life possible, said Tavenner.

We are partnering with nursing homes, advocates, and others to improve the quality of care these individuals receive in nursing homes.

Sen. Kohl, D-Wis., was joined in his amendment to S. 3187 by senators from both political party, including Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. The bill is the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act.

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CMS, Partners to Reduce Antipsychotic Drugs for Dementia in Nursing Homes