Elevating pharmacists’ scope of practice through a health-system clinical privileging process

Abstract

In preparation for the potential approval of pharmacist provider status across the United States, it is essential that pharmacists are privileged by the medical staff at their respective institution. Clinical privileges must be strategically developed with a focus on cost and quality aims and meeting the needs of patients. Implementation and maintenance of high-performing pharmacy privileging programs require both successful leadership and management skills and an understanding of the interprofessional nature of healthcare.

Weight management counselling among community pharmacists: a scoping review

“…The role of pharmacists within the healthcare setting is increasing and along with this new evidence of the value of pharmacists’ interventions in patient care is being developed . This is accompanied by evidence from national reports and research findings illustrating the value added by non‐physician providers in lowering healthcare expenditure and improving quality of care . If pharmacists are going to continue to expand their contribution to the healthcare system in the area of weight and obesity management, studies applying stronger study designs, using evidence‐based programmes in diverse practice settings, and considering long‐term sustainability are essential.…”

Establishing a standardized clinical pharmacy practice model within the Veterans Health Administration: Evolution of the credentialing and professional practice evaluation process

“…When referring to a pharmacist prescribing within the VA system, SOP has a very specific meaning that reflects the authorization to perform CMM services as an advanced practice provider (APP) and collaboratively manage all facets of a patient's disease, condition, and medication use. 7 It is important to note that all pharmacists within the VA are considered clinical pharmacists and therefore do not need a SOP to perform routine or traditional pharmacy activities, including dispensing, patient counseling, medication reconciliation, teaching, conducting chart reviews, and monitoring and assessing drug therapy to provide recommendations to prescribers. A CPS specifically functions in direct patient care roles under their SOP as an APP and is expected to provide direct patient care services for With a transformation strategy in place to drive clinical pharmacy practice, VA policy regarding pharmacist's SOP required modernization to accurately reflect the practice roles and settings of CPS.…”

“…The credentialing process is intended to verify that the health care professional has obtained the requisite qualifications to practice within a certain setting while the privileging process outlines the parameters by which that professional provides direct patient care services and oversees the clinical acumen to provide care to patients. Models for credentialing and privileging of clinical pharmacist have been well described . Despite the description of standardized models, variation exists at the local facility, state, and national level regarding the credentialing and privileging process for clinical pharmacists.…”

“…One key strategy for standardization of practice has been the full integration of Clinical Pharmacy Specialists (CPS) with an advanced SOP into direct patient care roles including, but not limited to inpatient, primary care, mental health, and pain. When referring to a pharmacist prescribing within the VA system, SOP has a very specific meaning that reflects the authorization to perform CMM services as an advanced practice provider (APP) and collaboratively manage all facets of a patient's disease, condition, and medication use . It is important to note that all pharmacists within the VA are considered clinical pharmacists and therefore do not need a SOP to perform routine or traditional pharmacy activities, including dispensing, patient counseling, medication reconciliation, teaching, conducting chart reviews, and monitoring and assessing drug therapy to provide recommendations to prescribers.…”

“…Models for credentialing and privileging of clinical pharmacist have been well described. 6,7 Despite the description of standardized models, variation exists at the local facility, state, and national level regarding the credentialing and privileging process for clinical pharmacists. It is essential that the competencies of the pharmacist provider be evaluated in an initial and ongoing manner and that this process is consistent across the profession.…”