Flora Brahmbhatt, PharmD, CGP

On January 23, 2012, the pharmacist with the CDPH and the CA chapter of ASCP hosted a phone conference for consultant pharmacists. CDPH outlined specific expectations of the consultant pharmacist. Specifically, the role the consultant should take during the survey process. Per CDPH consultant pharmacists should visit the facility, introduce themselves to the surveyors and leave contact information to facilitate an open line of communication.

Additionally, CDPH outlined medication related issues and highlighted the website http://www.azcert.org/ which outlines medications which may cause QTc interval prolongation. CDPH is committed to ensuring these medications have been brought to the prescribers’ attention by the consultant pharmacist.

In other highlights, CDPH reviewed the narcotic disposition process and the continuum of care where the consultant pharmacist is responsible for reviewing closed records to ensure the discharge process was completed properly with regards to medications.