Antipsychotic Focused Surveys

[cgalloway]

As all of us know in LTC, the focus is on decreasing/eliminating antipsychotic use in the elderly, unless an appropriate diagnosis is in place. We have always been taught that you should not administer PRN antipsychotics without the resident being on a schedule dose. I am looking for that in writing to be able to submit to the court Physician who thinks it's ok to administer prn antipsychotics but is not in favor of a scheduled dose. I have searched and searched the web, my Long Term Care survey book, and my own state regulation manual but with no luck. If anyone knows where I could find something in writing, could you please steer me in the right direction? Much appreciated and thanks for all you do each and every day!

[Peepershops]

You could call the state agency and ask them if they have something in writing they could fax to you.

[rpsychnurse]

Our docs will occasionally prescribe PRN antipsychotics without a scheduled dose and I think it can work quite well at times. Talk to your doctor about it- why does he do it? Just because it's a big push to get rid of antipsychotics doesn't mean it's always the right thing.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Call your pharmacy consultant. He/She would know the regulation.