Drug Diversion Prevention Technician Specialist

Summary

Reports to the Director, Medication Safety, Quality, and Pharmacy Information Technology. Under the supervision of a pharmacist, the Drug Diversion Prevention Technician Specialist provides oversight and coordinates activities related to controlled substances diversion prevention, monitoring, auditing, and reporting. Responsible for the maintenance of a comprehensive surveillance program based on best practices and in compliance with Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Pharmacy Rules and Regulations, Uniform Controlled Substances Act, and other national standards as applicable, e.g., The Joint Commission (TJC). Maintains a comprehensive auditing program for controlled substances including a defined process for event investigation and reporting. This position requires a high level of communication with pharmacy administration, nursing leadership, anesthesia providers, and other members of the hospital staff who handle controlled substances.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a pharmacist, coordinates activities related to drug diversion prevention monitoring. Oversees controlled substance documentation and drug diversion monitoring through use of an electronic controlled substance monitoring software system. Participates in the identification and implementation of controlled substance process improvement initiatives, including diversion prevention, monitoring, and auditing processes. Conducts random and specific “for cause” audits to address identified patterns and users who are outliers based on assessment of utilization from controlled substance monitoring software system. Performs data validation for inpatient transaction audits in conjunction with annual inventory as a continuation of DEA audit. Audits patient care areas to ensure practices around controlled substance handling and documentation comply with existing hospital policies and procedures. Assists with automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) discrepancy reconciliation and ensures accuracy through review of transaction data and, if required, audit of user activity. Investigates suspected and confirmed instances of controlled substance diversion identified through audit tools and protocols and provides data and analysis of events when a Diversion Response Team (DRT) activation is appropriate. Collaborates with internal operational and clinical leaders to promote awareness of findings, deficiencies, and areas of risk. Makes recommendations for process improvements. Creates and maintains controlled substance education resources for nursing, anesthesia, and pharmacy departments. Participates in orientation of new employees and trains staff as appropriate. Maintains knowledge and understanding of federal and state-controlled substance laws including Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Pharmacy Rules and Regulations, Uniform Controlled Substances Act, TJC, and other national standards as applicable.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE: Minimum 2 years progressively more responsible work experience as a pharmacy technician preferably gained within Brown University Health or a similarly diverse and operationally complex health care environment. Knowledge of pharmacy information systems, automated dispensing technology, and Microsoft Office Suite. Demonstrates excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills. Familiarity with The Joint Commission Medication Management Standards preferred.