RE: Antipsychotic Med Policy

[k.karren]

I have found that nurses are very good about getting a diagnosis from the MD before starting psychotropics. They know that their job is a lot more difficult when dealing with the behaviors that occur if a resident isn’t properly treated with appropriate medication and they also know how miserable these residents can be.   If there is a delay in getting info from progress note, how about calling MD office. Many of the office nurses know our nurses on a first name basis (and we have a lot of different offices we deal with  ; > )     -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Holly Sox, RN, RAC-C Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2003 6:24 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Antipsychotic Med Policy   I appreciate that it's not rocket science, or brain surgery. I understand the regulations, and although I am the person responsible for double checking the pharmacy consultant recommendations, I am not in the position to determine policy for our facility.   I just wanted to know if other facilities have a policy of not starting antipsychotic medications without the proper diagnosis.  Our MDs have a wonderful habit of writing orders without a dx, dictating progress notes and it takes a month or 2 for the progress note to make it to the chart.  By that time, the resident has been receiving the potentially inappropriate medication for a month or 2.  It does not seem like witholding the med until the physician has supplied the appropriate dx should be a problem, but, again, I am not the one who gets to decide.   Holly F. Sox, RN, RAC-C  Clinical Editor, Careplans.com www.careplans.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2003 6:37 PM Subject: Re: Antipsychotic Med Policy   Forget asking surveyors how to comply with regulations.  In Los Angeles County our biggest problem is that they do not know the regulations.  This year's survey team 'want' it one way and next year another [or the same] team tell you it is all wrong.  Read the regulations and develop a policy that meets the needs of your residents and the facility.  It is not brain surgery. Delores 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? Do you really think that a surveyor is going to tell you how to fix this? It has been my experience that the surveyors don't and won't give advice of any kind. Delores L. Galias, RN, RHIT STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY: The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this message are intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and may contain confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify D. Galias, RN, RHIT immediately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments.  Thank you for your cooperation