DOH to Present Webinar on Antipsychotic Medication Use in Nursing Homes

On Jan. 18, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued memorandum QSO-23-05-NH, raising concerns that some nursing homes have been erroneously coding residents as having schizophrenia. By doing so, a provider could mask a facility's true rate of antipsychotic medication use. As a result, CMS announced plans to conduct offsite audits of schizophrenia coding, and if it were determined based upon the results that the coding was in error, it would adjust the quality measure star ratings for facilities where inaccuracies were identified.

Some members have already experienced these audits, and LeadingAge NY continues to meet with other associations to exchange information and monitor results. Additionally, concerns over the audit process have been raised with the Department of Health (DOH).

On Wed., April 19, 2023 from 12 to 1 p.m., DOH will conduct a webinar entitled Antipsychotic Medications: Renewed Scrutiny Psychotropics & Appropriate Use, GDRs, Focus on Schizophrenia that will discuss the schizophrenia audits, the federal guidance related to the use of psychotropic medication, and the Minimum Data Set (MDS) coding for schizophrenia. Those interested may register using this link.

Contact: Elliott Frost, efrost@leadingageny.org, 518-441-8761