The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made significant changes to the survey guidelines of the State Operations Manual (SOM) related to gradual dose reductions and tapering. In addition, the final version of the guidelines released on December 15 contained several notable alterations from the Advance Copy released in September. This program will outline these specific changes and clarify the correct final guidelines; define psychopharmacological medications and the rationale for tapering; describe criteria and necessary documentation for clinical contraindications; and discuss the impact of the new guidelines.

Carla Saxton McSpadden, RPh, CGP
Assistant Director, Policy and Advocacy, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists

Carla Saxton McSpadden has nothing to disclose.

1. Compare and contrast the newly revised tapering/gradual dose reduction guidelines to the September Advance Copy version and the previous interpretive guidelines
2. Explain the purpose and goal of attempting a taper or gradual dose reduction of a medication
3. Define “psychopharmacological” medication and provide examples of medications that would be considered “psychopharmacological” according to the definition in the guidelines
4. Describe the criteria necessary for determining and documenting clinical contraindication to further tapering for antipsychotics, sedative/hypnotics, and psychopharmacological medications
5. Discuss the impact of the new Unnecessary Medication guidelines on the use of antidepressants

Pharmacists

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