Pharmacy Technician

SUMMARY

Fills prescriptions under the supervision of Pharmacist. Mixes pharmaceutical preparations, fills bottles with prescribed tablets and capsules, and types of labels for bottles. Receives and stores incoming supplies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Check prescriptions for patient eligibility, drug availability, usage, dosage, mode and rate of administration, completeness of directions and possible incompatibilities noted from referencing the patient's medication profile.
• Fill prescriptions, including controlled drug prescriptions, by selecting the correct drug and dosage form, reducing the drug from bulk to the quantity prescribed, compounding when necessary, and packaging the drug in appropriate container.
• Exercise care in the handling of drugs, especially controlled substances, to assure that legal and agency regulations and instructions are followed, that proper and complete record-keeping is maintained, and that the drug storage areas are stocked, safe and secure.
• Inform pharmacist and/or notify prescriber when there are questionable dosages, or possible therapeutic incompatibilities based on a review of the patient's medication profile. The providers may be internal to the MTF or TRICARE network providers, so these interactions could be in-person, or via telephone, e-mail, or faxed request. Document all changes on the hardcopy prescription or in the comment field in the military EHR, to include Composite Health Care System (CHCS), Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA), or other future systems.
• Consult with pharmacist and advise nurses and members of medical staff of matters such as contraindications, side effects, and adverse reactions; and suggest alternative medications as appropriate.
• Determine the validity of drugs prescribed by the numerous physician extenders, ensuring the drug prescribed is on the particular physician extender's list.
• Furnish guidance to government personnel on current Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee policies, applicable Federal and State laws, Air Force Instructions, new preparations, drugs of choice, methods of compounding non-standard preparations and special formulas suggested or requested by the professional medical staff.
• Annotate prescriptions with initials and/or numbered stamp to show dispensing check has been performed.
• Routinely refer to standard reference texts and journals to keep abreast of current trends, new drugs, and new uses for current drugs.
• Compound medication for inpatient or outpatient use which require extemporaneous manufacturing procedures.
• Perform supply process duties including placing new orders, stocking/restocking shelves, inventory maintenance, producing not in stock reports.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Perform all other duties as assigned to include efforts to reduce retail pharmacy costs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.