California Partnership to Improve Dementia Care and Antipsychotic Medication Reduction in Nursing Homes Collaborative

On May 30, 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a national initiative to reduce the unnecessary use of antipsychotic drugs and improve the overall care of nursing home residents with dementia.

On May 31, 2012, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), in collaboration with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), issued an Executive Report on the CDPH/DHCS Antipsychotic Collaborative addressing the use of these drugs and the associated care of residents in California's nursing homes. The report details quality of care findings impacting the provision of nursing, medical and pharmaceutical care, in addition to recommending opportunities for improvement.

Initiative partners include members of federal sectors, state entities, nursing homes, advocacy groups, along with health care professionals and caregivers; and, the collaborative project is underway to formulate and implement a strategic plan that aims to improve dementia care and reduce the use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing home residents by 15% by December 31, 2012.

Latest Initiative Updates

"WORKING TOGETHER": California Partnership to Improve Dementia Care and Reduce Unnecessary Antipsychotic Medication Drug Use in Nursing Homes - Summary Report, December 2012

Advancing Excellence - http://www.nhqualitycampaign.org/