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Clinical privileges program for pharmacists.
L C Hutchison1, J J Wolfe, C B Padilla
1Pharmacy Service, Little Rock Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), AR 72205.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|June 1, 1992
Summary
A clinical privileges program for pharmacists was developed at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center. This program enables pharmacists to practice pharmaceutical care, with all specialists receiving privileges after review.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice
- Healthcare Administration
Background:
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued policies in 1985 and 1989 regarding clinical privileges for pharmacists.
- Pharmacists at a large VA medical center developed a program modeled on existing medical staff bylaws.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the implementation and outcomes of a clinical privileges program for pharmacists at a VA medical center.
- To outline the process for granting clinical privileges to pharmacists.
Main Methods:
- A pharmacist clinical privileges program was established, using medical staff bylaws as a model.
- Pharmacists seeking privileges submitted applications detailing qualifications and quality assurance protocols.
- Applications were reviewed by a Pharmacist Clinical Privileges Review Board (PCPRB), with physician sponsorship required.
Main Results:
- All 24 clinical pharmacy specialists at the center requested privileges since the PCPRB's inception in 1990.
- No pharmacist was denied privileges, though many required additional training or enhanced quality assurance.
- The program received positive acceptance from the medical staff.
Conclusions:
- A clinical privileges program allows pharmacists to expand their practice and provide pharmaceutical care.
- The developed program effectively grants privileges while ensuring standards of care and patient safety.