Release of the Progress Report on the Joint Statement on the Inappropriate Use of Psychotropic Medicines to Manage the Behaviours of People with Disability and Older People
Psychotropic medicines are high-risk medicines with the potential for harm if used inappropriately. While they can play an important role in treating mental health and other health conditions, their use must be safe, appropriate and centred on the needs and rights of the individual.
The findings from both the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability affirmed this, highlighting the importance of safe and appropriate use of psychotropic medicines for older people and people with disability.
In response, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) signed a Joint Statement on the Inappropriate Use of Psychotropic Medicines to Manage the Behaviours of People with Disability and Older People in March 2022.
Through the Joint Statement, all 3 commissions committed to working together to reduce the inappropriate use of psychotropic medicines wherever people received care and support, including in aged care settings.
Since that time, we have collaborated on a range of initiatives and the joint Progress Report, published today, brings together the work undertaken to date to address this important issue.
The report highlights the range of activities undertaken to specifically support aged care providers, including:
- education and capability-building initiatives for providers and other key stakeholders, including prescribers and pharmacists
- updates to guidance and information following the commencement of the Aged Care Act 2024 on 1 November 2025
- support for providers to strengthen their documentation processes and reporting of restrictive practices.
The publication of this progress report reaffirms our commitment, and the commitment of the NDIS Commission and the ACSQHC, to the objectives of the Joint Statement.
We will continue to work collaboratively to promote the safe and appropriate use of psychotropic medicines and improve outcomes for older people and people with disability.
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