The state Legislature’s Elder Affair’s Committee holds a hearing Tuesday to discuss the use of anti-psychotic drugs in nursing homes. It is at 10:30 a.m. in Room B-2 at the State House.“An Act Relative to Psychotropic Medications,” (S. 303) would require long term care facilities in Massachusetts to obtain written consent before administering a psychotropic medication to a resident. Caregivers with the health workers union, 1199SEIU, will testify.
Caregivers will share their experiences with residents with dementia and advocate for alternative treatments to anti-psychotic drugs. The alternatives include person-centered care, consistent assignments and adequate staffing levels. The health care union leadership will explain how it believes the legislation would reduce the rates of anti-psychotic drug administration in elder care facilities.
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CA Elder Affairs Committee Holds Hearing Regarding Anti-Psychotic Drugs In Nursing Homes