State of Washington Abolished Job Specification

• PHARMACIST CONSULTANT
• Class Code: 295K
• Category: HEALTH CARE
• Salary Range: 68E
• Abolished Effective: 08-10-2012

Definition

Serves as one of two staff consultants on drugs to be prescribed and dispensed in State and contracted facilities for the Department of Social and Health Services or is the principal staff consultant for the Department of Labor and Industries.

Typical Work

Develops and recommends policy for administration of the Department of Social and Health Services' Prescription Drug Program;  

Edits and updates the Department "Drug Handbook and Index", "Drug Formulary" and "Drug Formulary Therapeutic Index" for use by physicians, pharmacists, hospitals, nursing homes and medical consultants; 

Coordinates with Professional Audit Section and Medical Management Information Systems on computerized drug pricing, specifications and limitations; reviews high cost prescription charges; screens non-formulary drug prescriptions; 

Coordinates and maintains contacts with representatives of major drug manufacturers; answers questions on State policies and procedures; receives information on new and discontinued products; provides updated information on computerized drug pricing file; 

Acts as Department representative to the Washington State Pharmaceutical Association; attends meetings; provides items for publication in association newsletter and magazine; 

Coordinates and confers with Division staff on drug policy matters; provides verbal and written opinions on questions relating to drugs; coordinates and meets with medical consultants throughout the State; testifies on drug-related questions before legislative committees;  

Supervises and provides guidance to subordinates on research projects and updates procedures and changes to drug reference publications;  

Reviews and monitors performance of vendors contracting drug services on a geographical basis; 

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:  prescription and pricing procedures for drugs; alternative prescription drugs; drug manufacturers and their products; professional standards relating to the procurement, dispensing, pricing and accountability of drugs. 

Ability to:  develop, update and maintain accurate and complete drug reference publications; coordinate and work effectively with headquarters and field staffs, vendors and consulting physicians; speak and write effectively; do complete staff work.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Desirable Qualifications

Current license to practice pharmacy in the state of Washington. 

 

AND

 

Three years of experience as a pharmacist. 

 

A Master's degree in Business, Public or Health Administration, Economics, Pharmacy, Epidemiology or other health/health management related field will substitute for one year as a pharmacist.

Class Specification History

New class: 2-18-77
Revised definition: 9-11-81
Revised definition and minimum qualifications: 4-15-88
Revised definition and title change (formerly Pharmacist Consultant 2): 1-11-91
New class code: (formerly 53700) effective July 1, 2007