Develops and recommends policy for administration of the Department of Social and Health Services' Prescription Drug Program;  

Edits and updates the Department "Drug Handbook and Index", "Drug Formulary" and "Drug Formulary Therapeutic Index" for use by physicians, pharmacists, hospitals, nursing homes and medical consultants; 

Coordinates with Professional Audit Section and Medical Management Information Systems on computerized drug pricing, specifications and limitations; reviews high cost prescription charges; screens non-formulary drug prescriptions; 

Coordinates and maintains contacts with representatives of major drug manufacturers; answers questions on State policies and procedures; receives information on new and discontinued products; provides updated information on computerized drug pricing file; 

Acts as Department representative to the Washington State Pharmaceutical Association; attends meetings; provides items for publication in association newsletter and magazine; 

Coordinates and confers with Division staff on drug policy matters; provides verbal and written opinions on questions relating to drugs; coordinates and meets with medical consultants throughout the State; testifies on drug-related questions before legislative committees;  

Supervises and provides guidance to subordinates on research projects and updates procedures and changes to drug reference publications;  

Reviews and monitors performance of vendors contracting drug services on a geographical basis; 

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of:  prescription and pricing procedures for drugs; alternative prescription drugs; drug manufacturers and their products; professional standards relating to the procurement, dispensing, pricing and accountability of drugs. 

Ability to:  develop, update and maintain accurate and complete drug reference publications; coordinate and work effectively with headquarters and field staffs, vendors and consulting physicians; speak and write effectively; do complete staff work.

Current license to practice pharmacy in the state of Washington. 

 

AND

 

Three years of experience as a pharmacist. 

 

A Master's degree in Business, Public or Health Administration, Economics, Pharmacy, Epidemiology or other health/health management related field will substitute for one year as a pharmacist.

New class: 2-18-77
Revised definition: 9-11-81
Revised definition and minimum qualifications: 4-15-88
Revised definition and title change (formerly Pharmacist Consultant 2): 1-11-91
New class code: (formerly 53700) effective July 1, 2007