CMS Guidance on Unnecessary Medications and Psychotropics in Long-Term Care (2024 Update)


This document provides updated CMS directives on identifying and documenting the use of unnecessary medications, especially psychotropics, in nursing homes. It emphasizes that proper documentation—covering clinical indications, contraindications, adverse effect monitoring, and gradual dose reductions—is essential, with any deficiencies potentially cited as abuse under chemical restraint regulations.