House Ways and Means Committee Holds Briefing, "Caring for Aging Americans"

In a full committee hearing entitled “Caring for Aging Americans,” the House Ways and Means Committee highlighted an urgent need and opportunity to deal with a rapidly aging population. Witnesses presented a wide variety of issues and solutions and included caregivers and representatives from consumer advocacy groups. Topics included the significant role of caregivers, the unaffordability of LTC for the average American, the quality of care in LTC settings, and the use of antipsychotics for LTC patients.

Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) indicated that he has been working with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address the issue of “overprescribing antipsychotics to nursing home residents.” A witness from the Long Term Care Community Coalition stated that they felt informed consent for the use of antipsychotics should be put into any new legislation on the issue as well as a requirement for minimum staffing.

The Society continues to monitor the issue and meet with lawmakers to ensure patients receive the appropriate care they need.