The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General issued an updated report on the use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes. The news is abysmal. Virtually all nursing facilities were found not compliant with federal regulations governing residents who take atypical antipsychotic medications.
Nursing home standards require extra protections for nursing facility residents receiving antipsychotic drugs. Nursing facility staff are required to assess each residentÛªs functional capacity upon admission to the facility and periodically thereafter. Staff must specify in a written care plan, based on these assessments, the services that each resident needs.åÊ
Nearly all records reviewed (99 percent) failed to meet one or more Federal requirements for resident assessments and/or care plans.