Congressional Committee Releases Report on Overdrugging Problem Ravaging Nursing Homes

The House Ways & Means Committee has released a report examining the continued misuse of antipsychotic drugs in America’s nursing homes. While the report is a much needed analysis of the awful state of chemical restraint use in nursing homes, the report is also very frustrating as it comes forty-five years after a seminal Congressional hearing talking about the same exact problems.The new report highlights that, despite a highly-touted eight year old CMS campaign to reduce antipsychotics in nursing homes, the rate of residents given antipsychotics remains stubbornly high at 20%.

Two Studies Find Strong Connection Between Nurse Staffing and COVID-19

Two new studies have found a close relationship between RN staffing and COVID-19 outbreaks and deaths in nursing homes. The first study reviewed reported COVID-19 infections in California through May 4 and identified three factors associated with increased risk of COVID-19 in nursing homes: higher numbers of past health deficiencies, larger facilities with more residents, and lower federal 5-star ratings.

June 2020

In this Issue

Please Lend Your Voice to Restore Visitation in Long Term Care Facilities

On June 30, CANHR launched a national effort to restore reasonable visitation to residents in long term care facilities through a safe, designated visitor program.