BILL NUMBER:  SB 303
  VETOED	DATE: 10/12/2009




To the Members of the California State Senate:

I am returning Senate Bill 303 without my signature.

My Administration is concerned about the inappropriate use of
psychotherapeutic medications, especially antipsychotics, in skilled
nursing facilities.  One recent study concluded that over half of the
residents receiving antipsychotic therapy were being treated outside
the current Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service guidelines.

I have instructed my Department of Public Health to identify
providers that may be inappropriately prescribing these medications
and thereby posing a threat to the health and safety of residents in
skilled nursing facilities.  If the department's analysis indicates
that such inappropriate prescribing behavior is occurring and
recommends statutory changes in this area, I ask the Legislature to
immediately seek changes to correct it.

I thank the author for bringing this issue to my Administration's
attention and will continue to monitor this closely.

Sincerely,



Arnold Schwarzenegger