Illinois Department of Public Health: 5 things to know about psychotropics (including the right to informed consent)

The Illinois Dept. of Public Health states that consent forms for administering psychotropics must be signed by patients or someone with power of attorney. In general, consents must say what drug will be given, how much and how often. If a doctor wants to add a drug, the consent must be re-signed. The patient must be fully informed of risks.

Illinois Dept. of Public Health
Chicago Tribune
October 27, 2009

Your rights: Nursing homes cannot give a psychotropic drug without a doctor’s order, informed consent and an adequate diagnosis, according to federal and state regulations. Drugs cannot be administered simply because a resident is disruptive or restless. Rules and guidelines dictate that staff must first try to calm patients; root causes of agitation, such as an infection, must be ruled out. When drugs are given, facilities must check for side effects and reduce dosages when possible.

The consent: Consent forms must be signed by patients or someone with power of attorney. In general, consents must say what drug will be given, how much and how often. If a doctor wants to add a drug, the consent must be re-signed. The patient must be fully informed of risks.

Read entire article: http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-nursing-home-tips-27-oct27,0,7460931.story

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