AHCA's David Gifford

Long-term care providers are being asked to reduce the use of antipsychotic medications among residents by 25% by the end of 2015, and 30% by the end of 2016.

A public-private coalition that includes the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the American Health Care Association and LeadingAge announced the goals September 19.  

Over 21 months through the end of 2013, the national rate was reduced by 17.1 % — from 23.8% to 19.8% — CMS said. States with the highest decreases were Hawaii and North Carolina.

“We are confident we can continue to reduce this number,” said David Gifford, a geriatrician and AHCA senior vice president of quality and regulatory affairs.