A bill pending in one state will make it more difficult for nursing home facilities to administer antipsychotic drugs to nursing home residents if it passes. The purpose of the bill is to prevent nursing home patients from being drugged to reduce the level of care required. The patient may be less interactive, combative, etc. However, it can lead to a higher risk of other issues, such as falls.
“This legislation will provide a stop to this immoral practice of drugging our seniors,” said an advocate for the bill. Nursing homes often use antipsychotic drugs with dementia patients in order to subdue their behavior. The drugs leave patients sedated. This state maintains the highest level of antipsychotic drug use. Advocates wish to reverse the ranking. For more, read the story.
