Modern Medicine Gone Insane: Debate Over Antipsychotic Usage Flaring Up In Massachusetts
The folks up in Boston are going absolutely crazy – and it’s not because the Red Sox won the World Series.
According to a recent article in the Boston Globe, an ongoing debate over nursing homes’ use of antipsychotics flared during a meeting of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs.
Three separate bills under consideration would require written consent from nursing home residents or their legal representatives prior to administration of antipsychotic drugs. Two of the consent bills are in the Senate and one is being considered by the House.
Representatives of the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society said the requirements would hamstring caregivers, to the detriment of residents who genuinely need antipsychotics.
Supporters believe unnecessary antipsychotic prescribing is harming residents.
The Bay State has one of the highest antipsychotic prescribing rates in the country, according to a 2010 Globe analysis. This analysis spurred the Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation to launch an antipsychotic reduction campaign.
Of course, it’s also possible that the insanely high price tags of name-brand medications may have caused some people in New England to simply go crazy.
Maybe they should start considering generics.
Michael is an accomplished leader with deep expertise in the healthcare sector. As the CEO of Prime Source, he has driven innovation and strategic growth in healthcare procurement and management. His extensive knowledge of the industry has made him a sought-after speaker, regularly lecturing at trade groups, seminars, and to industry executives on the most pressing healthcare trends and challenges. Michael is passionate about exploring the intersection of business and healthcare, providing thought leadership that shapes the future of the field.