In 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) established the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care and Reduce Unnecessary Antipsychotic Medication Use in Nursing Homes. The goal of the partnership is to optimize the quality of life and function of residents in America’s nursing homes by improving the approach to meeting the behavioral health needs of all residents, especially those with dementia. As part of the initiative, CMS developed a national action plan that uses a multidimensional approach including public reporting, raising public awareness, regulatory oversight, and technical assistance/training and research.
The Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes has set a national goal of reducing the use of antipsychotic drugs among nursing home residents by 15 percent by the end of 2019.
To improve dementia care and reduce unnecessary antipsychotic medication use, it is important to consider the following:
- Enter correct data: Detailed Quality Measure specifications
- Be aware of specific Federal Tags that relate to medications in nursing homes: State Operations Manual Appendix PP – Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities
- Pharmacy Services (F755) (p. 479-504)
- Drug Regimen Review (F756) (p. 494-502)
- Unnecessary Drugs (F757) (p.504-525)
- Unnecessary Psychotropic Medications (F758) ( 505 – 525):
- Assemble and engage a leadership team (DON, Administrator, Medical Director, and Pharmacist)
- Conduct monthly reviews of all residents on antipsychotics
- Begin gradual dose reduction (GDR) for eligible residents
- Involve and engage residents and families in treatment processes and interventions
This article is shared with permission by the Partnership to Individualize Dementia Care in Nursing Homes – Florida and the Health Services Advisory Group (HSAG). Learn more here.