To: Elizabeth Ritter, Department of Aging Commissioner and Governor Ned Lamont
Require Informed Consent for CT Nursing Home Elders to Reduce Harmful Anti-Psychotic Medicatio...
As family members, caregivers, friends and consumers of long term care services, we urge our state officials to ensure that Nursing Home Elders, their family or legal representative can practice informed consent for harmful anti-psychotic medications by amending (Title 19a-550) the Nursing Home Residents' Bill of Rights, to guarantee a physician contact to explain the medical condition treated, the risks and benefits thereof, and the available alternatives, with written consent obtained by a competent individual, their family or legal representative. Further, the Resident Bill of Rights shall be posted in its entirety in a readable format and at a location where it can be seen by residents and visitors in every facility. Informed consent is the accepted practice and the assumed right of every American in healthcare; nothing less is required to honor the human rights, dignity, and quality of life for vulnerable elders.
Why is this important?
It is firmly recognized that Anti-Psychotic medications sedate and may cause seizures, falls and even death in the elderly. Billions in fines have been paid by pharmaceutical companies to the federal government for illegal promotion targeting dementia patients, with untold waste of healthcare dollars and damage to elders' lives. Even with successful efforts at reduction, the use of anti-psychotics is frighteningly high. By Medicare data released last year, Connecticut still ranks last in New England and 34th in the nation for the usage of these meds. (Center for Medicare: see: http://www.cms.gov/Newsroom/MediaReleaseDatabase/Fact-sheets/2014-Fact-sheets- items/2014-09-19.html ) This is particularly concerning to Connecticut residents. By such a rating it must also rank low in the proposed antidote: "Person Centered Care." As concerned family members, at a minimum we ask to be told of this treatment (since facilities are not sanctioned for it) and to exercise choice via Informed Consent so that the human rights of vulnerable elders are respected. (If you are a non- Connecticut resident perhaps you might indicate your experience with the issue or your connection to Connecticut in comments and Thank You!) Full name please....