Reports to Pharmacy Tech Supervisor. Under the oversight of a Pharmacist and in compliance with applicable guidelines and regulatory requirements, interviews patients and/or family members in order to obtain and document patients' medication histories. The Medication Reconciliation Technician will be responsible for the collection and documentation of medication and allergy histories of new admissions.

Mission, Values and Service Goals

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Responsibilities:

Obtains and documents patient medication histories following applicable guidelines and regulatory requirements by:

• Identifying and prioritizing patient interviews to obtain medication histories based on workflow and admissions. Histories may be obtained in either the Emergency Department or patient care units for direct admission patients.
• Interviewing patients and/or family members to obtain medication history including drug allergies and reactions.
• Use a standardized tool to compile a complete list of patient's home medications including over the counter drugs, herbal supplements, patches, and implanted pumps including drug name, dosage, frequency, compliance and last dose taken.
• Using available resources to reconcile the patient's medication list including physicians, pharmacies, Cerner RX External History function, home health agencies, extended care facilities, etc.
• Instructing patients/family members to maintain an updated medication list and bring a list to the hospital or other health care providers at each visit.
• Identifying and facilitating correction of medication history discrepancies. Notifying a pharmacist or other healthcare provider if there is any missing information or other details that may be of importance or require further clarification.
• Reconciling the final home medication list with patients.
• Documenting findings by accurately entering all available medication-related data into the patient care computer system (drug name, dosage, frequency, route, compliance and last dose taken).
• Mentoring and assisting with training new Pharmacy Technician-Medication Reconciliation Technicians.
• Collecting and entering data into the pharmacy information system as directed.
• Monitoring outcomes of medication reconciliation process and reporting to appropriate committees.

Performs Other Functions

• Performing other job-related duties and projects as assigned.
• Collecting data, conducting quality monitors, and completing documentation as assigned.
• Maintaining logs, records and other required documentation accurately, filing documents in appropriate locations.

Organizational Responsibilities

Associate complies with organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout the fiscal year
• Maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patients and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirement, survey process, and compliance
• Complies with established organization and department policies
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a High School Diploma or Equivalent and successful completion of a pharmacy technician training program approved by the State of Michgian. Current Michigan State Board of Pharmacy license as Pharmacy Technician and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification is required. A minimum of two years of pharmacy technician experience required. Prior outpatient/retail pharmacy technician experience is preferred. Minimum of 18 years of age.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrates effective communication skills necessary to follow verbal and written instructions, including the ability to understand technical, medical, and pharmaceutical terminology.
• Demonstrates mathematical skills necessary to accurately compute fractions, ratios, decimals, division, multiplication, percentages, and totals.
• Demonstrates highly effective interpersonal skills necessary to consistently interact with patients, families, visitors, and staff in a courteous manner.
• Demonstrates proficiency in keyboarding and computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets and e-mail applications) and an understanding of specialized computer systems utilized for documenting patient medication history.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate with, document, and verify confidential information from patients, extended care facilities, home health agencies, retail and mail order pharmacies, physicians and other hospital staff in a professional manner.
• Requires the ability to maintain accuracy, prioritize workload, attention to detail, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates responsibility and ability to act independently in areas not requiring the professional judgment of a pharmacist/nurse/physician.
• Demonstrates knowledge of brand and generic medications names and medication formulation differences (for example, extended release versus immediate acting).

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care environment with the possibility of exposure to biohazards.
• Works with staff, patients, physicians, and others in a high stress environment with frequent changes in job demands.
• Exposure to minor operating equipment and chemical solution hazards.

Physical Demands

• Able to lift items weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Frequent lifting, bending, stooping and prolonged standing.
• Work may require an awkward or straining position to be assumed for short periods of time in lifting or handling heavy objects.