Nursing Homes Falsely Label Patients Schizophrenic

A recent government watchdog report from the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services has uncovered a disturbing trend in U.S. nursing homes. Many facilities are allegedly creating phony schizophrenia diagnoses for dementia patients. This tactic is used to mask the improper administration of dangerous antipsychotic drugs, which can increase risks of falls, strokes, and death.

The report indicates that these diagnoses help nursing homes circumvent safeguards and artificially inflate their Medicare star ratings. Staff have admitted that the powerful medications are used to calm patients, lighten workloads, and manage behaviors that are not inherently dangerous. This practice was highlighted with instances in Pennsylvania and Virginia where residents received these drugs for minor or harmless behaviors.

These findings emerge as regulators consider relaxing reporting standards for antipsychotic drug use, a move industry groups are reportedly lobbying for. Advocates have long warned about the overuse of these medications, especially when non-pharmacological interventions are not attempted first.