Key summary pointsAimTo analyze the impact of medication optimization according to the FORTA list on functional status in patients undergoing geriatric rehabilitation.FindingsAn increase of at least 20 points of the BI was observed in 40% of patients in the intervention group and in 12% of patients in the control group (p< 0.001). Logistic regression analysis with an increase of at least 20 BI-points was significantly and independently associated with patient group (2.358,p< 0.02).MessageMedication optimization according to the FORTA rules has a significant additional improvement in activities of daily living in older adults hospitalized for geriatric rehabilitation.