Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technician

II. Functions Or Scopes Of Practice

Pharmacy Activities:

1. Prescription Assembly

a. Assembles prescriptions properly with the correct drug, strength, quantity, auxiliary labels, and prescription labels. for window dispensing and mail delivery

b. Assures that the correct medication is filled by using bar code scanning on stock bottles.

c. Supports automation by manually completing prescriptions not processed through the automation dispensing machine.

d. Assures the timely completion of all prescriptions.

2. Window Pick-Up

a. Verifies the patient's identification following the Medical Center's policies (i.e., double patient identifiers)

b. Verifies that the patient receives the correct prescriptions by using VA software (i.e., VISTA and barcode scanning)

c. Verifies that the patient has received all prescriptions (i.e., refrigerated, controlled substances, bulk medications, etc.)

3. Inventory Stock Control

a. Notifies the procurement section of inventory needs and shortages, using published procedures (i.e., SOP, PSPM).

b. Assures that stock is properly rotated upon storing and that no more than one (1) multi-use container is opened at any given time.

c. Checks for outdated medications and supplies in the current inventory that expires within ninety (90) days.

4. Mail Packaging

a. Utilizes and comprehends the mail shipping programs used by the facility (i.e., USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.) for overnight delivery of noncontrolled and controlled prescriptions.

b. Performs searches, updates patient information, and generates shipping reports as requested by the supervisor.

c. Calls patients to arrange delivery of refrigerated prescriptions and verifies patients address.

d. Packages prescriptions appropriately, as to assure that packages are not damaged within transit (i.e., bubble wrap, ice blocks, insulated containers, etc.)

e. Utilizes VA software programs to check narratives and problem solve deliveries for patients with no physical address.

5. Customer Service

a. Assists patients with refill request, problems with prescriptions and other queries.

b. Takes detailed messages for the pharmacists when a problem needs professional attention.

c. Processes returned-to-sender mail by calling patients to verify and correct addresses for non-controlled medications. For controlled medications, directs the returned-to-sender package to the Controlled Substance Vault.

d. Utilizes VA software programs to process mail refill request, return misdirected mail and contact patient to inquire about returned prescriptions (i.e., credit, remail, destruction, etc.)

6. Automation

a. Knows the basic procedures to run the automated prescription filling machines (i.e., ability to start-up and shut down machinery)

b. Uses handheld scanner and/or scale to load and re-stock canister with correct medication using NDC and barcodes.

c. Uses equipment specialized programs (i.e., Exceptions Manager, Inventory, Reports, etc.) to assure proper utilization and resolve operational issues.

d. Provides equipment maintenance (i.e., cleaning, archiving data, etc.).

e. Works closely with the Pharmacy ADPAC to assure continuous operations and to troubleshoot operational issues.

7. Controlled Substances

a. Complies with all laws, regulations, directives, policies, and procedures applying to the dispensing, storage, transfer, inventory, and accountability of controlled substances.

b. Assists all inspectors with the inventory and accountability inspections.

8. Sterile Product Compounding

a. Follow USP 797/800 Guidelines for the compounding of all sterile preparations, including ophthalmic, cardioplegic, TPN, hazardous, large & small volume IV solutions, PCAs, etc. Manufactures uncomplicated and/or complicated parenteral admixtures to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe or other as required.

b. Correctly interprets physician orders, selects, and measures appropriate ingredients, mixes ingredients in a safe and effective manner, inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability, and elegance, labels the product, maintains records of the manufacturing process, and supplies the product for pharmacist verification and delivery.

c. Uses standard protocols to determine an accurate expiration date for each batch prepared.

d. Consistently displays competence with good manufacturing practices and sterile technique through demonstration and/or actual work performance.

Work Schedule: Typically Monday-Friday, occasional rotating nights and weekends as determined by the service.

Functional Statement #: 71157F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized