CA AB1809

Requires prescribers to obtain written informed consent from nursing facility residents or their representatives before administering psychotherapeutic drugs, with material information provided in a language the resident understands.

Mandates that residents receive information about non-pharmacologic alternatives, FDA boxed warnings, off-label uses, drug interactions, and adverse side effect monitoring before consenting to psychotherapeutic drugs.

Prohibits use of psychotherapeutic drugs for resident discipline or convenience, and restricts chemical restraint use to emergencies threatening immediate injury, with drugs limited to the least intrusive alternative.

Requires facilities to provide written notices every 6 months about recommended dosage adjustments and the resident's right to revoke consent and receive gradual dose reductions.

Establishes penalties including class B, A, or AA violations and misdemeanor charges for willful or repeated violations; requires State Department of Public Health to develop model consent forms and disclosure statements by December 31, 2023.