The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced a new action plan on May 4, 2026, aimed at curbing “psychiatric overprescribing” and supporting the tapering and discontinuation of medications for patients not experiencing clinical benefit. The initiative includes three main pillars: education and outreach, program and policy, and research-to-practice initiatives.

In a Dear Colleague letter also released on May 4, HHS officials encouraged providers to “prioritize informed consent and shared decision-making, and to regularly review the risks and benefits of psychiatric medications with patients.” The letter also highlighted non-pharmacological interventions and provided information on billing codes that could be used to support the delivery of evidence-based nonmedication treatments.

While the HHS announcement on the initiative referred children and adolescents several times, it is worth taking note for nursing homes, given the increased attention to psychotropic medications in recent years. Recall the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) November 2024 updated guidance that re-classified unnecessary psychotropic medications as chemical restraints, while continuing efforts to reduce the use of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes.

As HHS pursues this agenda, nursing homes should ensure they continue following requirements and best practices. Specifically, providers should pay attention to key areas of compliance such as informed consent, adequate clinical indications for use, and gradual dose reductions.

Check out LeadingAge resources on psychotropic medications and preventing chemical restraints for assistance.