Registry targets off-label prescribing of antipsychotics

NC Medicaid, Community Care of NC and child psychiatrists at the state’s four medical schools have partnered on a registry to gather information about off-label prescribing of antipsychotic medications to children.

Antipsychotics—Keeping it Documented for Safety (A+KIDS) aims to ensure that children who are prescribed antipsychotics for off-label indications are monitored according to generally accepted guidelines. The first phase of the program applies to Medicaid eligible children up to 12 years old. The second phase will expand the registry to include Medicaid enrollees aged 13-17.

As of mid-April, NC Medicaid requires prescribers to register patients when:

• The antipsychotic is prescribed for an indication that is not approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration


• The antipsychotic is prescribed at a higher dosage than approved for a specific indication


• The prescribed antipsychotic will result in concomitant use of two or more antipsychotic agents

Upon issuing a new prescription, prescribers go online and enter basic information about the patient, medication, dose, diagnosis, etc. It is necessary to preregister for access.

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