Re: Antipsychotic Med Policy

[Corey Ali]

Holly, This was something an "old homey" nursing facility I was at years ago implemented.  It has worked well since, and in other places as well.    The policy was that the medical practioner has to indicate the dx. that the medication was for, to "help the nurses understand".  It was something of a trick, but it worked well since, and is popular in many facilities in this area.    For example:   Synthroid (dosage) for low thyroid. Prozac (dosage): depression Haldol: dx. Schizophrenia ASA: hx. DVT   Of course, you then had to keep after them to document at least every 6 months on the dx. and s/s, and either stability, improvement or decline, but our shrink was just great in doing that for the psychotropics.   Corey ----- Original Message ----- From: Holly Sox, RN, RAC-C To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2003 1:32 PM Subject: Antipsychotic Med Policy Hi, Group, One citation we received on Survey was for antipsychotic use without the appropriate dx. I have really been tearing my hair out with psychotropic meds in general since starting here a year ago.  I have developed a letter to send to MD when antipsychotic is initiated without the proper dx as well as when I find one already on the med without dx.  I suggested implementing a policy of not starting antipsychotic med until the form was completed by the physician, but DON and Administrator both said they felt uncomfortable with a policy of not following a physician's order.   But, is that any different from not following any other inappropriate order without clarification??? For example, I wouldn't start IVF at 300 cc/hour on a CHF patient, just because the doctor ordered it.   Could any of you who are "lurking" surveyors (Yeah, you, MR), send me some guidance (along with links to supporting regulations, etc)?  Also, what are other facilities doing as far as P/P for antipsychotic meds? Thanks! Holly  Holly F. Sox, RN, RAC-C Clinical Editor   www.careplans.com   [EMAIL PROTECTED]