Medication Safety Officer

Job Description

The Medication Safety Officer (MSO) is responsible for developing, coordinating, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive medication safety program across Cottage Health. The MSO provides strategic and operational leadership to improve medication-use processes and prevent adverse drug events (ADEs). The role collaborates with pharmacy, nursing, medical staff, and quality teams to advance a culture of safety across the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS
All job qualifications listed indicate the minimum level necessary to perform this job proficiently.

Level of Education
Minimum: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

Preferred: Master's in healthcare quality, public health, or administration

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations
Minimum: Active California pharmacist license

Preferred:

• Board Certification (e.g., BCPS, BCPPS)
• Certification in Medication Safety (e.g., ISMP Fellowship, CPPS - Certified Professional in Patient Safety)

Technical Requirements
Minimum: Proficiency in using electronic health records (e.g., Epic), medication safety surveillance systems, and data analysis tools

Preferred: Familiarity with regulatory standards (Joint Commission, CMS, CDPH, USP 795/797/800)

Years of Related Work Experience
Minimum:

• Completion of a post-graduate year 2 residency (PGY2) or fellowship or
• Completion of a post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) plus 3 years of experience in equivalent role or
• 5 years of experience in equivalent role

Preferred: 2 years of experience or formal training in medication safety

About Us

Cottage Health is a leading acute care hospital system, located on the central coast of California, widely known for our superior patient care, innovation, medical research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, since 1888, and consists of three acute care hospitals, a Rehabilitation Hospital, multiple clinics and a multi-site Urgent Care system. Our mission is to serve the central coast communities with excellence, integrity, and compassion. Every day we touch thousands of lives in many different ways, resolute in our mission to put patients first. We take pride in helping our patients get back to living their lives - in the places they love.

*Pay for non-physician positions is determined based on related years of experience and internal equity. Eligible employees may also receive additional forms of compensation, including shift differentials, on-call pay, incentive pay, and bonus opportunities, where applicable. Manager and above positions may participate in Cottage Health's annual management incentive program. Physician compensation is determined based upon specialty and may include bonus potential. For more information on our comprehensive Total Rewards offerings, please visit

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