Target: By December 31, 2012, reduce the unnecessary use of off-label antipsychotics by 15 percent.
In May, 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a "Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes,” a public – private partnership to ensure appropriate care and use of off-label antipsychotic medication for nursing home patients.
This initiative will be promoted in California by a coalition of interested stakeholders including CAHF, California Department of Public Health Licensing and Certification, CMS Region IX, California Association of Long-Term Care Medicine, Health Services Advisory Group and others who will work together to plan strategies to share resources.
CAHF is excited and encouraged by CMS’ call to facilitate the formation of a partnership in California to reduce the unnecessary use of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes.
In 2005, when CMS issued a goal to reduce the rate of physical restraints, California's restraint rate dropped from 16% to 5%, demonstrating that we can make significant strides when we work together.
CAHF encourages all California facilities to participate in the focused effort to reduce off-label use of antipsychotic medications in long-term care.