Re: Aims Test - When to do?

[Rnlncoh]

In a message dated 3/22/04 11:37:49 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The regs don't say that an AIMS test be done. It is recommended to have a baseline for the resident before starting medications that can cause extra pyramidal side effects or if you admit a resident on them. The regs do require you to monitor the effectiveness and in the presence of adverse consequences. The test your facility chooses is up to your discretion.  F 329 Unnecessary drugs. Because we have a high population of dual-diagnosed residents, we also have many on psychotropic meds.  Reducing their dosage and trying something else isn't even reasonable, given their long-term history with the problems they have.  We have not had a problem with an F329 because we do document that they have been long term psych residents on these particular meds (and usually many others in the past) and this is what works for them.  It is just that we do so many of these forms so frequently, and many residents have several as well, that it would be nice to have one form that is done q90 days and prn.  For the long-termers, nothing usally changes.  But the new ones who come in usually go through a good laundry list until the right combination works for them.  If someone already has a form like that, great.  If not, I think I'm going to invent one!   Sherri