How does your institution maintain compliance with CMS regulation 482.25 (b) (5) “Drugs and biologicals not specifically prescribed as to time or number of doses must automatically be stopped after a reasonable time that is predetermined by the medical staff?” Do all ordered medications have an automatic end date in the electronic health record? If there is an automatic end date, do providers have a prompt to renew or restart medications that have automatically completed? Does anyone not have an auto stop and if so, how do you justify?

How does your institution maintain compliance with CMS regulation 482.25 (b) (5) “Drugs and biologicals not specifically prescribed as to time or number of doses must automatically be stopped after a reasonable time that is predetermined by the medical staff?” Do all ordered medications have an automatic end date in the electronic health record? If there is an automatic end date, do providers have a prompt to renew or restart medications that have automatically completed? Does anyone not have an auto stop and if so, how do you justify?

I have seen a growing trend for health-systems to extend their automatic stop order (ASO) policy for routine/maintenance medications beyond 30 days.  Some have even elimated ASOs altogether.  This seems reasonable if prescribers are thoroughly reviewing the active med list on a daily basis.  In my experience, this review is not done consistently and/or accurately.  What is the ASO policy at your institution?  I will be happy to compile responses and return to participants in this forum topic.