Who Is The Consultant Pharmacist At The Nursing Home?

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As you work or volunteer at the nursing home, I think it’s interesting and important to understand the roles of the various people who serve our residents. In the past, I’ve featured the nursing team, rehab staff, and the social worker.

Today I’m introducing someone who often works in the background and may not be familiar to many nursing home staff or residents. I’m talking about the consultant pharmacist.

Federal guidelines require nursing homes to employ the services of a consultant pharmacist. Yet, I’m guessing that few people understand the enormous role they play in assuring our residents’ highest quality of life.

What are the educational requirements of a consultant pharmacist?

The consultant pharmacist in a nursing home carries a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD). This degree requires at least two years of undergrad studies followed by four years of professional pharmacy studies. The graduate also needs to pass a state licensure exam. In addition, many nursing home pharmacists carry a geriatric pharmacy certification.

What are the responsibilities of the consultant pharmacist?

A consultant pharmacist reviews all medications for each nursing home resident every month. They also review meds for new admissions and residents who display a significant change in their condition. Some issues the pharmacist considers include:

• Does each medication have an appropriate diagnosis?
• Is the dosage appropriate for the diagnosis and the resident’s condition?
• Could the residents’ medications interact with each other and cause problems?
• Is every medication necessary?
• Do the potential benefits of the medication outweigh the risks?
• Is a medication adversely affecting the resident’s lab values?
• Are the medications given according to standard protocols? (For example, is a pill that should be taken on an empty stomach being incorrectly given with meals?)

Other responsibilities include:

• Coordinating the ordering, storage, record-keeping, and destruction of controlled drugs such as opioid pain medications.
• Taking part in quality assurance and other committee meetings.
• Helping monitor required gradual dose reductions of certain meds such as antipsychotics.
• Providing medication-related education sessions for staff and residents when needed.
• Helping develop policies and procedures related to medications, assuring they comply with federal and state regulations.
• Serving as a resource if medication-related questions arise during state and federal surveys.
• Offering recommendations to reduce medication costs.
• Updating nursing staff on new medication developments.

How can we show appreciation for our consultant pharmacist?

Let your residents know about the behind-the-scenes role of the consultant pharmacist. Then invite them to make thank-you cards. I’m sure your kindness will make their day!

What did I miss? Please let me know any other roles of the consultant pharmacist in your nursing home.