Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Outpatient Ambulatory Care Program Services : The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (CPS) will provide clinical pharmacy services, support pharmacoeconomic activities, and is directly responsible for assessing, monitoring, managing, and documenting intensive medication therapy for assigned patients. Activities include:
• Responsible for outpatient ambulatory care pharmacy activities involving highly innovative methods of health care delivery in clinic, telehealth, or home-based primary care (HBPC) environments.
• Participates in a patient-focused, team-based multi-disciplinary model of patient centered care to promote positive patient outcomes through direct and indirect interaction with patients and providers.
• Serves as a mid-level provider by directing therapy; ordering lab tests; performing physical assessments; and initiating, modifying and discontinuing medications as defined within the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist's scope of practice.
• Conducts medication therapy management clinics, anticoagulation clinics, and group forums (e.g. COPD, diabetes, smoking cessation, substance abuse, etc.). Provides drug information, observations on patient response to therapy, and develops appropriate treatment plans regarding treatment alternatives or additional interventions to maximize patient care outcomes taking into consideration choice of therapy, safety, efficacy, and pharmacoeconomics.
• Evaluates appropriateness of pharmacologic therapy at clinic visits and as the level of care changes. Develops appropriate therapeutic monitoring plans and documents the activities in the medical record via electronic progress notes.
• Provide medication reconciliation and patient medication counseling verifying and documenting patient understanding of the medication, proper medication use, expected outcomes, how to obtain refills of medication and how the current prescription will be processed.
• Report actual and/or potential medication errors or adverse events and participate in quality improvement initiatives to promote patient safety. Actively participates in the VA Adverse Drug Reaction (VA ADR) reporting program.
• Plays a role in budget execution by working with and educating providers to ensure adherence to the formulary process so that patients receive the most cost-effective drug therapy. Process non-formulary and restricted drug consult requests utilizing national VA PBM criteria for use documenting reasons for approval or denial.
• Outpatient Pharmacy Program Services: The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist will be involved in the independent professional practice of pharmacy in accordance with the guidelines set forth in pharmacy service policies and procedures, VA regulations, and state and federal laws governing the practice of pharmacy. The CPS will work in conjunction with Clinical Pharmacists to form an organized team approach to the delivery of pharmaceutical care. Activities include:
• Maintains workflow patterns that assure timely delivery of outpatient ambulatory care pharmacy services, ensures accurate dispensing and record keeping documentation, and oversees technical and nonprofessional staff in the outpatient pharmacy setting.
• Effectively organizes workload, solves problems, and achieves established goals.
• Participates in quality improvement activities, pharmacoeconomic initiatives (e.g., drug conversions), committees, and workgroups in support of the pharmacy service strategic plan in all areas of the outpatient pharmacy section.
• Provides patient care utilizing an advanced in-depth knowledge of outpatient ambulatory care specialized areas of pharmacy practice. Oversees day-to-day maintenance and operation of pharmacy equipment and automation, such as ScriptPro.
• Assists in assuring that the outpatient pharmacy program is compliant with all regulatory and accrediting body requirements (i.e., Joint Commission, FDA, ASHP, OIG etc.).
• Distributive:
• Review pharmacy orders to include patient information, dose, and route, frequency of administration, patient allergies, drug interactions, incompatibilities, duplication, and priority.
• Finish, input and/or verify information and orders in the computer system if assigned; and dispense medication in accordance with dosage form requirements (outpatient, unit dose, and IV admixture).
• Identify actual or potential drug-related problems prospectively, thereby eliminating duplication of efforts, reducing medication errors and increasing patient satisfaction.
• Dispenses controlled substances according to current policies, procedures, and standards established by DEA, FDA, VA, and Joint Commission.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Telework: Ad-hoc

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs