New Data: Nursing Homes Frequently Use Antipsychotics
In 2010, one in five U.S. nursing homes provided residents with antipsychotics to treat symptoms for which the medications had not been approved by federal regulators, according to a recent Boston Globe investigation. While prescribing medications off label is legal, both FDA and CMS -- which regulates nursing homes -- have said it is inappropriate to prescribe antipsychotics for dementia patients.
- "Use of Antipsychotic Drugs Raises Alarm" (Lazar/Carroll, Boston Globe, 4/29).