Pharm Tech 340b Coord (Mho)

Reports to the Director of Pharmacy Services or designee. Functions as the internal and external program coordinator and liaison for all matters related to 340B. Serves as the designated authority on all 340B utilization, compliance, implementation, policy, and processes. Provides oversight, leadership and communication from the Department of Pharmacy for the 340B program. Delivers pertinent expertise about the 340B program to pharmacists, technicians, purchasers and all other relevant positions. Develops and maintains relationships with other departments that are integral to maintaining 340B compliance, including but not limited to information systems (IS), accounting and legal. Develops and maintains relationships with various vendors and contracts that are integral to maintaining the 340B program, including but not limited to wholesalers, split-billing software vendors, contract pharmacies, employee health pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) and third-party administrators. Has knowledge of inventory procurement and helps in this area as needed.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

340B Program Management:

• Serves as the institutional 'compliance expert or authority' on 340B regarding program details, policies, and procedures of the virtual inventory processes required for mixed-use areas.
• Provides ongoing training, education, and communication required for the 340B program at the organization.
• Develops and maintains internal relationships (accounting, legal, national) and external relationships (wholesalers, manufacturers, contract pharmacies, split-billing software vendors, employee benefit pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and third-party administrator (TPA) vendors) as needed.
• Actively engages with senior leadership and participates in decision-making processes related to the implementation of new 340B processes.
• Responsible for oversight of all audits (self and external).
• Establishes consistent policies and procedures for 340B that enhance productivity and efficiency so that long-term coordination of the program does not hamper operations or create unnecessary costs. Ensures that policies and procedures are developed and implemented according to organizational, regional, national, state, and federal requirements and guidelines and are approved by the institution's legal department.
• Monitors and assesses 340B guidance and/or rule changes. Attends regular 340B trainings and shares lessons and hot topics with staff.
• Ensures that the 340B pharmacy program is continuously compliant with 340B federal regulations.
• Maintains knowledge of the policy changes that affect the 340B program, including, but not limited to, HRSA/OPA rules and Medicaid changes.
• Provides expertise on all 340B program legislation and policy changes from HRSA and OPA, informing and collaborating with legal and compliance teams.
• Develops, monitors, and presents reports on 340B participation that clearly document utilization, savings, problem areas, exceptions, and/or discrepancies to pharmacy and administrative leadership.
• Oversees split-billing software maintenance.

Registration/Recertification:

• Responsible for ensuring that the annual HRSA recertification is completed within the allowable time frame.
• Responsible for ensuring that the HRSA 340B OPAIS is accurate for all organization entities.
• Responsible for ensuring registration of any new child site within allowable time frame.

340B Contract Oversight:

• Reviews, negotiates, and maintains any new 340B contracts.
• Coordinates relationships, billing services, and compliance with contracted 340B pharmacies.
• Evaluates all current and future contract pharmacy opportunities, including contract language, fee structure, data setup, and internal and independent external auditing.
• Works directly with manufacturers, as well as through GPO and peer professional relationships, to determine companies that are contracting with inpatient facilities to offer 340B or equivalent pricing and develops strategies to maximize such participation.

Program Enhancement/Optimization:

• Assesses opportunities for cost savings and business improvements in 340B contract pharmacy utilization.
• Oversees the 340B contract pharmacy marketing program to attract and retain qualified retail pharmacy contracts and serve eligible patients.
• Analyzes utilization of the program and existing software to identify ways to maximize cost savings to its fullest extent to meet the needs of underserved patients while maintaining compliance of the 340B program.
• Works directly with the manufacturers as well as the wholesalers to develop strategies for appropriate use of the program.
• Participates in projects, councils, and special initiatives related to 340B, compliance, auditing functions, vendor selection, and medication management.
• Develops business plans to prioritize and implement programs related to program services and contract pharmacy agreements.
• Develops action plans to close identified gaps in collaboration with organizational leadership.
• Participates in projects, councils, and special initiatives related to 340B.
• Implements programs that address the programmatic needs of the department and institution.
• Monitors all outpatient points of service to continually check for new areas that may qualify for the 340B program.
• Provides oversight for the implementation of process improvement initiatives and creates an environment that places an emphasis on continuous monitoring and improvement.
• Provides input and implements business plans in coordination with the organization's pharmacy leadership for organization facilities to help use 340B savings to expand and improve care provided to underserved and vulnerable populations; assists facilities to prioritize and implement outpatient program development and contract pharmacy agreements related to 340B; and assists the organization's leadership with program development and optimization.

Purchasing/Inventory Oversight:

• Monitors purchasing records for each 340B participant; clearly documents utilization, savings, problem areas, and exceptions or discrepancies. Relays results to pharmacy leadership and administration.
• Monitors for 340B pricing exclusions or shortages and establishes appropriate alternative products that are included when possible, including work with medical staff and formulary to ensure proper position and related use.
• Participates with the prime vendor and routinely reviews 340B formulary pricing, potential alternatives, and possible additional savings because of GPO formulary.
• Monitors and tracks 340B inventory, including proper replenishment.
• Tracks, trends, and reports 340B pharmaceutical sales and purchases data to ensure provider/physician and patient eligibility.
• Maintains system databases to reflect changes in the drug formulary or product specifications.
• Assists with optimizing purchasing of supplies and medications from the 340B program.
• Performs thorough quarterly reviews of the new 340B pricing list to search for and quickly address costly changes.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR), and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The above level of knowledge, skills, and abilities are normally acquired through experience as a pharmacy technician. A minimum of two years of relevant experience (to include significant experience with pharmacy purchasing, 340B split-billing software, policy and procedure writing, quality and compliance, and program management) is preferred. Certification from Apexus: Apexus Advanced 340B Operations Certificate. If certification is not present upon hire, must be obtained within one year.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of the Pharmacy Department's day-to-day operations, policies and procedures. Also acquires a solid understanding of how the 340B program is used and implemented within the Memorial Hospital and any offsite locations operating under the Memorial Hospital license.
• Requires an understanding of virtual inventory and split-billing software utilization and operation.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the formulary management process within Memorial Hospital and any offsite locations operating under the hospital license.
• Demonstrates knowledge of pharmacy inventory systems and purchasing procedures, familiarity with computerized inventory systems, and the ability to effectively utilize split-billing software in conjunction with automated inventory management systems.
• Demonstrates a successful record of being a team player and completing project-related work assignments (especially project implementation).
• Requires advanced analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to identify problems and deliver solutions in a timely and efficient manner.
• Demonstrates the interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) necessary to communicate effectively with the team members at all levels as well as vendor representatives.
• Requires the ability to develop and present effective education and training.
• Requires organization skills and the ability to work independently as assigned, prioritize workload and handle a variety of multiple and overlapping functions within set deadlines.
• Demonstrates the leadership skills necessary to elicit cooperation and support from other team members and outside departments.
• Must be able to collect and analyze data, as well as develop, test, and implement system changes.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and a commitment to Beacon Health System's mission and values and the organization's goal of providing exceptional patient experiences by following the Performance Essentials.

Working Conditions

• Works in pharmacy and office environments.
• Must be able to be effective in a fast-paced, quality focused, multi-priority environment that frequently deals with stressful situations and important deadlines and schedules.
• Sitting for long periods of time in front of a computer.

Physical Demands

• Requires the mental and physical ability and stamina (i.e., sit, stand and/ or walk for prolonged periods of time, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.