I presented these updates, along with alpha-gal and duplicate PRN updates, in Huddle this week (see attached slides for reference). We wanted to provide further guidance via email for each specific item. More to come on the other updates.

CMS is implementing new Age-Friendly Measures for patients > 65 y/o, and the hospital's CMS reimbursement is dependent on compliance with these measures beginning in 2026. Pharmacy is required to review medications for the purpose of identifying potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) for older adults (>65 y/o)  as defined by standard evidence-based guidelines, criteria, or protocols. In order to meet these measures a new Sentri7 tab and rules have been created. These rules are listed under the Age-Friendly tab and are expected to be completed each day.

The new rules are as follows:

1. Age-Friendly - Oral Benzodiazepines and Non-BZDs PRN sleep

2. Age Friendly - Oral Diphenhydramine PRN itching or sleep

3. Age Friendly - Oral NSAIDs PRN mild pain

4. Age Friendly - Skeletal muscle relaxants w/o PRN admin in 24 hrs

Please see the comments for directions to address these rules. All rules have been approved through P&T for automatic interchange/discontinuation. There are likely other rules that will be added to these in the future to ensure we are meeting the CMS standard. We are also working on getting a new comma phrase added for pharmacists to use to tag these interventions. We will let you know once that is available.

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.