FEDERATION OF TEXAS PSYCHIATRY

            A United Voice for Texas Psychiatry

The Federation of Texas Psychiatry unites Texas' professional psychiatric organizations. Voting member organizations - the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians, the Texas Academy of Psychiatry, and the Texas Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Associate member organizations - the Texas Foundation for Psychiatric Education and Research, the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association and the Texas Medical Association - together represent about 45,000 physicians in Texas united in advocacy for patients and quality psychiatric care.

PRACTICE GUIDELINES

GUIDELINES OF PRACTICE FOR PSYCHIATRIC CONSULTANTS PROVIDING
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES TO PATIENTS IN
NURSING HOMES AND CONVALESCENT FACILITIES

The Guidelines of Practice for Psychiatric Consultants Providing Psychiatric Services to Patients in Nursing Homes and Convalescent Facilities were drafted by the TSPP Professional Practices Committee and adopted by the TSPP Executive Council on May 21, 1995. An amendment to this document was approved by the TSPP Executive Council on May 28, 2000.

These Guidelines are not considered to be prescriptive for all patients due to the wide variety of circumstances associated with the presentation of patients for psychiatric care.

GUIDELINES

1. Psychiatric evaluation and initiation of treatment plan.

2. Follow-up monitoring of each patient.

3. Communication with the family or legal guardian concerning psychiatric problems.

4. Communication with the nursing home physician about any changes in the psychiatric treatment plan.

5. Recognition and treatment of any psychotropic medication side effects.

6. Involvement with quality assurance with regards to psychotropic medication policies of the nursing home.

7. Assistance with patients' medical legal issues (commitments and guardianships).


Notes:

1 On May 28, 2000, the TSPP Executive Council approved a name change of the Professional Standards Committee to the Professional Practices Committee.

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Last modified: 06/19/06