OIG Finds Nursing Homes Inappropriately Diagnosed Residents With Schizophrenia To Mask Misuse Of Antipsychotic Drugs

Nursing homes have inappropriately diagnosed residents with schizophrenia to mask nursing homes’ misuse of antipsychotic drugs, according to a review of nursing home data by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The OIG reviewed 40 nursing home inspection reports.

The inspections were conducted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The OIG sought to identify the incidence of new schizophrenia diagnoses and the circumstances surrounding prescribing practices. Findings were presented in two reports using case vignettes to illustrate patterns of inappropriate use. The reports did not quantify the . . .