diff --git a/src/aces/predicates.py b/src/aces/predicates.py
index 1eee9ee..e4a1ca0 100644
--- a/src/aces/predicates.py
+++ b/src/aces/predicates.py
@@ -696,6 +696,8 @@ def get_predicates_df(cfg: TaskExtractorConfig, data_config: DictConfig) -> pl.D
             raise ValueError(f"Invalid data standard: {standard}. Options are 'direct', 'MEDS', 'ESGPT'.")
     predicate_cols = list(plain_predicates.keys())
 
+    data = data.sort(by=["subject_id", "timestamp"], nulls_last=False)
+
     # derived predicates
     logger.info("Loaded plain predicates. Generating derived predicate columns...")
     static_variables = [pred for pred in cfg.plain_predicates if cfg.plain_predicates[pred].static]
@@ -714,8 +716,6 @@ def get_predicates_df(cfg: TaskExtractorConfig, data_config: DictConfig) -> pl.D
         logger.info(f"Added predicate column '{name}'.")
         predicate_cols.append(name)
 
-    data = data.sort(by=["subject_id", "timestamp"], nulls_last=False)
-
     # add special predicates:
     # a column of 1s representing any predicate
     # a column of 0s with 1 in the first event of each subject_id representing the start of record