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.

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