Credentialing and privileging for clinical pharmacists

Abstract

The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) 2019 Certification AffairsCommittee was charged with writing a white paper to provide a road map for developing initial and ongoing credentialing and privileging processes for clinical pharmacists. After extensively reviewing the literature, the committee prepared a framework to support organizations in implementing credentialing and privileging programs. This document contains definitions, principles, and a suggested process for credentialing; organizational costs of credentialing and privileging; and barriers associated with the process. Finally, resources are provided to help the reader establish a credentialing and privileging process. K E Y W O R D S clinical pharmacist, credentialing, privileging 1 | INTRODUCTION The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) has long advocated a highly trained clinical pharmacy workforce. ACCP believes that clinical pharmacists "should possess the education, training, and experience necessary to function effectively, efficiently, and responsibly in the [direct patient care] role." 1 The question becomes, how does the clinical pharmacist accomplish that goal? The College's 2017 Strategic Plan asks how ACCP will position clinical pharmacists to fully contribute their expertise to direct patient care by optimally collaborating with the interprofessional team and patients. 2 As such, ACCP advocates for the credentialing and privileging of clinical pharmacists providing comprehensive medication management and direct patient care. This white paper provides a road map for organizations to develop and implement initial and ongoing credentialing and privileging processes for clinical pharmacists. | DEFINITIONSIt is important to understand the terminology associated with credentialing and privileging because these terms can easily be incorrectly interchanged with competence and competencies. Merriam-Webster defines "competence" as the quality or state of being competent such as having sufficient knowledge, judgment, skill, or strength in a particular respect. 3

Oncology pharmacy practice in the United States: Results of a comprehensive, nationwide survey

“…[27][28][29] Clinical activities, considerations, and a framework for implementing credentialing and privileging have been described elsewhere, and this continues to be an area of growth for oncology pharmacy. 26,30 Overall, pharmacy technicians represented a large proportion of the total oncology pharmacy FTEs (median 11 (Q0: 1, Q1: 4, Q3: 30, Q4: 220)) out of a total pharmacy FTE of median 16 (Q0: 1, Q1: 5, Q3: 60, Q4: 570). However, there appeared to be a much higher proportion of total oncology FTEs devoted to pharmacy technicians at community as compared to academic institutions.…”

“…The number of organizations that have an individual credentialing and privileging system in place correlated with the number of oncology pharmacy FTEs, BCOP certification, and PGY2 training. 26 Implementing institutional credentialing and privileging through collaborative practice agreements can decrease costs, prevent chemotherapy errors, and increase staff satisfaction. 27 – 29 Clinical activities, considerations, and a framework for implementing credentialing and privileging have been described elsewhere, and this continues to be an area of growth for oncology pharmacy.…”

“… 27 – 29 Clinical activities, considerations, and a framework for implementing credentialing and privileging have been described elsewhere, and this continues to be an area of growth for oncology pharmacy. 26 , 30 …”

Ambulatory care hematology/oncology pharmacy services: A comprehensive review by the Saudi Oncology Pharmacy Assembly

“…32 outpatient settings, predefined qualifications and competencies that encompass a combination of clinical knowledge, oncology expertise, and patient-centered care are needed in Saudi Arabia. 46…”

Role of infectious diseases pharmacists in outpatient intravenous and complex oral antimicrobial therapy: Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists insights

“…An ID pharmacist CPA can expand available services to patients, increase the efficiency and coordination of care, and leverage pharmacists' medication expertise to complement the skills and knowledge of the other health care team members 32 . An OPAT/COpAT CPA should (a) define the scope of care provided including the OPAT/COpAT care setting(s), the OPAT/COpAT population, and OPAT/COpAT services to be delivered by the pharmacist; (b) identify the pharmacist's scope of practice as defined by state law; (c) determine the pharmacist scope of practice including the duties or tasks and the amount of oversight provided by prescribers; and (d) define the pharmacist‐required qualifications and competencies 33 . Ideally, the ID pharmacist at a minimum has allowances to independently order and evaluate applicable labs, adjust antimicrobial doses, provide supportive care prescriptions (flushes, anti‐emetics, etc.…”