NURSING HOMES-DRUG TREATMENT

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. In provisions requiring the Department of Public Health to adopt a protocol specifying how informed consent for psychotropic medication may be obtained or refused that requires a discussion between the resident or the resident's surrogate decision maker and the resident's physician, a registered pharmacist, or a licensed nurse about the possible risks and benefits of a recommended medication and the use of standardized consent forms designated by the Department, (i) removes language prohibiting the registered pharmacist from being a dispensing pharmacist for the facility where the resident lives and (ii) specifies that a licensed nurse includes a licensed practical nurse. Provides that specified forms shall be designated (rather than developed) by the Department and may be able to be downloaded from a website designated by the Department (other than the Department's official website). Provides that the maximum possible period for informed consent shall be until a change in the prescription occurs as to the change in the type of psychotropic medication or an increase in dosage (rather than a change in dosage), unless the physician's order for which informed consent was given provides for an increase in dosage. Effective immediately.