State oversight of polypharmacy and psychotropic medication use among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a three state case study

Authors

James Houseworth, Institute on Community Integration, University of MinnesotaFollow
Kami L. Gallus, Oklahoma State UniversityFollow
TIffany Greene, Pharmacy Services, Developmental Disabilities Services, State of OklahomaFollow
Steven R. Erickson, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Jennifer Lynn Jones, Oklahoma State UniversityFollow
Laura Vegas, National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disability ServicesFollow

Abstract

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are prescribed more medications than the general population, placing them at significantly higher risk for issues due to taking multiple medications (polypharmacy). There are currently no clear national standards for the administration of medications given this risk. The following policy analysis explores state policies related to prescription medication oversight. This analysis pays particular attention to the use of medications that alter one’s mental state (psychotropics) among people with IDD who receive home and community-based services (HCBS) in the United States. The article outlines current efforts implemented to reduce medication-related risks for people with IDD in three states and explores the similarities and differences across strategies. This policy analysis aims to initiate conversation and encourage further consideration and deliberation necessary to move toward clear and concrete guidelines for the oversight of medication regimens.

Plain Language Summary

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are given more medications than people without I/DD. Taking many medications can sometimes cause problems. There are currently no clear national rules about medication for this group. This report explores how three states try to make sure medications are safe. This report focuses on medications used to make people with I/DD who get services feel and behave better (psychotropics). The article discusses current efforts to reduce problems because of medication use for people with I/DD in three states and also explores the similarities and differences across those states. This report is a beginning conversation to help make better rules for keeping better track of medication use that can cause problems for people with I/DD.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Houseworth, James; Gallus, Kami L.; Greene, TIffany; Erickson, Steven R.; Jones, Jennifer Lynn; and Vegas, Laura (2023) "State oversight of polypharmacy and psychotropic medication use among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a three state case study," Developmental Disabilities Network Journal: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 9.
DOI: 10.59620/2694-1104.1072
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/ddnj/vol3/iss2/9