Your Patient Should Be Involved in Decisions – Especially About Psychotropic Medication

The new guidance merges rules on unnecessary psychotropic medications under F605, emphasizing the importance of involving patients in treatment decisions, allowing patient refusal, and denying staff the right to use psychotropics for convenience or discipline. And yes, “convenience” includes using meds to keep residents sedated

Facilities are expected to use the least restrictive solutions for the shortest time possible, with regular reassessments to ensure medications are truly necessary.

This update doubles down on the need for person-centered care—because decisions should be based on needs, not shortcuts.

On That Note, Document Any Use of Psychotropic Medication Well

CMS is not messing around about the use of psychotropic drugs. If your MDS assessment does not provide sufficient documentation to support the use of antipsychotic medication, expect a thorough investigation.

It’s crucial to ensure that all assessments are comprehensive and well-documented to support their clinical necessity.

Stop Asking for Third-Party Guarantees

To protect patients’ families and friends from unfair financial burdens, admission agreements can no longer include third-party guarantees. This shifts the responsibility back to facilities to work within appropriate payment systems like Medicaid and Medicare. So, make sure your admission process is fair and clear – with no strings attached.

Ensure Equity in Care for All Your Residents

QAPI programs are leveling up! Now, facilities will need to assess social determinants of health (think: race, socioeconomic status) in their quality reviews and tackle any disparities in care. Time to take a closer look at your resident care practices—are there differences in how you’re serving certain groups?

The Medical Director Role is Getting a Makeover

Medical Directors need to take a more hands-on approach in overseeing clinical care policies—especially when it comes to managing chronic conditions, medication practices, and keeping infections at bay. Time to roll up those sleeves and lead the charge in making care even better!