Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist)

Job Title

Ambulatory Care Pain Management Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner (CPP)

Job Description

The VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) has an immediate opening for Ambulatory Care Pain Management Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner (CPP). The incumbent functions at the highest level of clinical practice, top of licensure and serves as an advanced practice provider working independently with prescribing privileges as outlined in the individual's pain management-based scope of practice. This position will primarily support the interdisciplinary Pain Management Team, Interventional Pain Clinic, STORM Team, and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) Primary Care in Monterey and Capitola; as well as provide back-up coverage of services performed by the other Pain Management CPPs during absences. This position will perform evidenced-based comprehensive medication management (CMM) through direct patient care modalities (via face-to-face, VA Video Connect, and telephone appointments). The Pain Management CPP will clinically and critically adjudicate pain-related prior authorization drug requests, participate in quality improvement, process improvement, research activities and will serve as a preceptor for PGY1/PGY2 Pharmacy residents and APPE pharmacy students.

Direct Patient Care Activities

• Functions as an advanced practice provider for comprehensive pain medication management (CMM) to achieve defined outcomes through direct interactions with patients and providers in assigned care area(s).
• Serves as a clinical resource for opioid stewardship, including buprenorphine induction, titration, and conversion for pain management.
• Functions as part of the interdisciplinary team to provide CMM for pain management which may include, but is not limited to:
  • Designs, implements, and monitors therapeutic drug plans to achieve definite outcomes by direct interactions with patients and providers in assigned areas.
  • Obtains pertinent medical history and obtains accurate pain medication related history from patients and via chart review and summarizes significant findings in the medical record and/or to the provider as appropriate.
  • Orders, monitors, and interprets toxicology screens and other needed labs; implements (orders, adjusts, discontinues) medication actions as supported by lab interpretations and clinical needs.
  • Performs rating scales on pain control, symptoms and functional status, and suicide risk assessment. Queries and documents PDMP findings.
  • Screens for substance use disorders when indicated, performs brief interventions when indicated, including addressing aberrant behaviors. Provides overdose education and prescribes naloxone when needed.
  • Uses available population health tools to identify and address risk mitigation needs focused on safe pain care.
  • Reviews patient medication regimens for cost effective drug selection, dosing, contraindications, side effects, potential drug interactions, and therapeutic outcomes as required. Communicates findings with prescribers and provides appropriate alternatives to current treatment plans as needed.

Safe and Effective Medication Use Activities

• Practices in accordance with VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Use of Opioids in the Management of Chronic Pain.
• Participates in the appropriate, effective, and safe use of pharmaceuticals by contributing to criteria development, data collection, quality assurance and drug use evaluation and other quality improvement activities for core practice area(s) and medication assistance treatment for Pain Management.
• Participates in departmental and interdisciplinary committees to improve patient safety, therapeutic outcomes, and cost savings. Supports and promotes compliance with established drug therapy policies, formulary management and criteria or prior authorization requirements that have been approved by national, VISN, or local pharmacy benefits management (PBM) and focuses on quality patient care in a cost-effective manner.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Eastern Standard Time

Telework

Not Available

Virtual

This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #

11447-F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives

Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS)

Not Authorized