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Office of Mental Health

Clinical Advisories & Guidelines

The following advisories have been issued by New York State Office of Mental Health to provide guidance to providers and the general public.

HEALTH ADVISORY

Increased Risk of Heat Illness to Persons Taking Antipsychotic Medications

July 20, 2022

People who are receiving antipsychotic medications are at increased risk for heat stroke and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

CLINICAL Advisory

Clinical Advisory on Paxlovid Treatment for COVID-19 Positive and Symptomatic Patients Currently on Clozapine

January 12, 2022

Before administering Paxlovid to patients who are receiving clozapine and have symptomatic COVID-19, consider the risk factors and information provided in the advisory.

Health Advisory

Clozapine: Managing Constipation and GI Hypomotility

May 18, 2015

OMH has issued a Health Advisory-Clozapine: Managing Constipation and GI Hypomotility in an effort to raise awareness of the approaches for preventing, monitoring and treating constipation and gastrointestinal (GI) hypomotility associated with the use of clozapine.

Health Advisory

Clinical Advisory Regarding Adult Homes - UPDATE

October 1, 2012

OMH issued a Clinical Advisory regarding discharges from hospitals licensed or operated by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) to certain Adult Homes licensed by the State Department of Health (DOH). After receiving comments regarding the Clinical Advisory, OMH has amended that Clinical Advisory to clarify several issues

Health Advisory

Clinical Advisory Regarding Adult Homes

August 8, 2012

Clinical Advisory regarding discharges from hospitals licensed or operated by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) to certain Adult Homes licensed by the State Department of Health (DOH

Health Advisory

Guidance Memo on the Use of PRN Medications

April 29, 2010

The Office of Mental Health recently released guidance for all hospitals under its jurisdiction, on the use of PRN medications. It is intended to replace all previous guidance and policy on this topic, including OMH Official Policy PC-530, "PRN for Agitation." It is effective immediately.

Health Advisory

Guidance on Electroconvulsive Therapy for Individuals under Age 18

April 29, 2010

This OMH Practice Advisory addresses the use of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for individuals under the age of 18 years. The Office of Mental Health is distributing it as a directive for all State-operated psychiatric facilities, and as a practice advisory to other mental health care providers in New York State.

Health Advisory

Guidance on Electroconvulsive Therapy

September 22, 2007

OMH Guidance on Electroconvulsive Therapy presents a quality review process for State-operated psychiatric centers.

Health Advisory

Use of Atypical Antipsychotic Medication in Children and Adolescents

May 16, 2007

The New York State Office of Mental Health provides the attached Advisory on the treatment of children and adolescents with second generation (SGA) (or novel or atypical) antipsychotic medications.

Health Advisory

Electroconvulsive Therapy Review Guidelines

January 13, 2003

Electroconvulsive Therapy Review Guidelines are for use by provider hospitals and facilities, based on the American Psychiatric Association (APA) recommendations.