This general session outlines the 2012 CMS initiative to improve behavioral health and reduce antipsychotic medication use in nursing homes and describes the development of a toolbox for behavioral health that assists staff in implementing non-pharmacological interventions for behavioral symptoms. Best practices in the prescription of pharmacological therapies is also discussed.

Contact hours available until 9/21/2015.

Requirements for Successful Completion:
Complete the learning activity in its entirety and complete the online CNE evaluation.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
Ann Kolanowski discloses that she received grant/research support from the following: National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Commonwealth Foundation, Hartford Foundation.

Planning Committee members have no disclosures to declare.

Commercial Support and Sponsorship:
No commercial support or sponsorship declared.

Accreditation Statement:
This educational activity has been co-provided by Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. and GAPNA.

Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider number, CEP 5387.

Objectives:

Discuss the CMS initiative to improve behavioral health and reduce antipsychotic use in nursing homes.
Describe the toolbox for behavioral health.
Use the toolbox in practice settings.