Pharmacist

Job Summary

The Pharmacist is responsible for enhancing the care of PACE participants with multiple chronic co-morbid conditions requiring complex medication regimens under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer. This position would oversee the development and implementation of an Evidenced Based Medication Therapy Management Program across sites to support the Primary Care Providers (PCPs) in the provision of medical care to elderly adults. The Pharmacist would assess participants for potential treatment optimization and provide feedback to PCPs in real-time. Additionally, the Pharmacist will collaborate with the Pharmacy Benefit Manager to ensure adherence to Part D regulations and cost-effective medication utilization. The Pharmacist will work closely with the designated pharmacies to help ensure accuracy and to avoid gaps in care. They work closely with medical and administrative leadership as well as primary care providers to develop and implement strategies which continuously improve the quality of care at the best value for participants and the organization.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Performs participant assessments in collaboration with Interdisciplinary team (IDT) based on supporting clinical documentation to facilitate the plan of care, including discharge planning as indicated.
• Reviews and evaluates drug information to identify potential medication therapy conflicts and recommends appropriate solutions to PCPs in real-time.
• Uses Evidence Based Practice to Assess medication appropriateness, effectiveness, and safety for each individual participant including specific attention to anticoagulation and diabetes disease management. 
• Communicates participant changes to team members and appropriately documents in the plan of care. 
• Provides education to other healthcare professionals, pharmacists and students about optimal drug therapy as appropriate. 
• Participates in the experiential and didactic education of students, residents and support staff as assigned.
• Promotes internal and external customer satisfaction and service according to the PACE model of care.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Medicare Part D regulations.
• Assists in the implementation of policies and standard operating procedures related to the utilization of medications with attention to quality, safety, and cost effectiveness.
• Communicates and delegates participant related care needs to appropriate staff in support of the provision of medical care as it pertains to medication management.
• Monitors prescribing practices across all PACE sites to ensure pharmacy and formulary management initiatives, and processes are uniformly implemented with appropriate education provided.
• Reviews current literature, identifies and implements processes to improve appropriate drug use and measure optimal participant care outcomes.
• Audit records to ensure established processes are being followed and provide information to leadership regarding the medication therapy management program as needed.
• Participates in transitional planning for a ppt disenrolling PACE by calling and relaying medication information to prescriber inheriting the care.
• Coordinates medications for any transition of care setting.
• Assist nursing as needed with medication packing.
• Maintains an awareness of drug costs and works with finance on developing an accurate budget and Part D bid.
• Is familiar with the nine chronic conditions identified in the Part D program and the care protocols associated with E.g., Alzheimer’s Disease and CHF
• Attends internal meetings as required and national and state meetings as needed. E.g. Risk Committee and NPA Pharmacy Interest Group.
• Establishes and implements IV treatment program at all sites.
• Coordinate Vaccine Program: coordinate clinics, administer vaccines, manage inventory, coordinate waste orders, and report required vaccine information to RIDOH for all PACE sites.
• Research drug program management regulations and works with other PACE programs to keep PORI regulations consistent with national and best practices.
• Stat Safe: Coordinate with pharmacy for all medications, manage inventory and waste orders for all PACE sites. Provide education to medical and nursing staff. 
• Refers ppts to contracted resources for education and support on specific disease management opportunities such as diabetes and pain management.
• Collaborates with the nursing department to develop a safe, cultural respectful medication regime for participants up to and including home visits, nursing home visits, telephone consultations and in person family meetings.
• Is able to meet the collaborative practice agreement standards.
• Assists providers in reconciling medication lists post rehab or acute stays and after initial enrollment
• Serves as primary liaison to Pharmacy Benefit Manager vendor
• Reviews reports from PBM and confirms accuracy, educates providers to improvement opportunities and develops and implements best practice protocols in response to data.
• Has a proficiency in data management- collating data, researching and preparing of useful reports
• Complete medication refill authorizations based on prescribers’ recommendations.
• Formulates medication treatment plans that include goals that match those of the ppts.
• Documents the care delivered, communication of essential information and writes actionable and measurable goals in the ppts’ charts.
• Coordinates and integrates medication therapy management services within the broader health care program by working with the teams and providers; is not a solo practitioner.
• Able to supervise pharmacy students as needed; collaborate with medical and nursing students and able to provide education to other students as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Dependable and punctual with ability to maintain consistent attendance 
• Ability to read, write and comprehend English 
• Ability to maintain sound judgement under stress and communicate effectively 
• Ability to proficiently perform clinical/skilled tasks associated within scope of position
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite or similar software 

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree, Required
• Doctorate Degree, Preferred

Physical Requirements

• Physical ability to regularly stoop, bend, kneel, lift, stand, walk, stretch and reach for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to regularly lift objects up to 25 pounds and at times up to 35 pounds.
• Must be able to assist a 200-250 lb participant, using proper body mechanics. 
• Must have hearing and vision abilities within normal range (corrected) to drive safely and/or to observe and communicate with participants. 
• Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization's physical premises as well as related community care settings. 
• Must be able to tolerate conditions typically associated within a medical office and/or home care setting including potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases. 
• Must be able to complete assignments in variable weather conditions and ever-changing and sometimes allergenic environments in participant homes, including extreme heat, humidity, dust, smoke, pet contamination, and cleaning supplies. 

Experience

• 1 year of experience working with a frail or elderly population, Preferred 

License & Certification Requirements

• Registered Pharmacist with the State of Rhode Island, Required
• Board Certification in Geriatric or Ambulatory Pharmacy, Preferred

Position Requirements

• Graduate of an ACPE accredited School of Pharmacy with a BS in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy degree required.
• CPR Certification
• Driver's License & access to reliable transportation: community-based travel required.

Management Responsibility: No

Time & Attendance Responsibility: No