Background: Addressing the needs of the geriatric population is critical, as “baby boomers” comprise a larger proportion of hospitalized patients. Hospitalists increasingly care for these complex geriatric patients. The “BEERS Criteria” are evidence-based guidelines that encourage medication safety by describing potentially inappropriate and harmful medications (PIMS) among geriatric patients. BEERS guidelines recommend that with a [...]

Background: Prescription opioids have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years due to the rise in use and misuse which has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. There have been several efforts by government agencies to address this such as the FDA issuing a Risk Evaluation Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for extended release/long acting (ERLAs) opioids [...]

Background: In an effort to combat the national opioid crisis, our state legislation passed House Bill 451 effective July 1, 2019. It addresses medication overprescribing to decrease morbidity and mortality from opioid misuse, abuse, and overdose. The law has several requirements including discussion of non-opioid treatment alternatives, review of the Prescription Monitoring Drug Program (PDMP) [...]