PHARMACY RESIDENCY STANDARDS PASSED

A new standard for managed care pharmacy residencies has been approved by the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

The recently approved standard establishes criteria for systematic training that help the residents gain professional proficiency in managed care organizations such as health plans, pharmacy benefit management companies, and government agencies. In addition, the standard creates 2 separate documents for residents: one that defines the standard and one that identifies the residents' outcomes, goals, and objectives.

The range of care settings also will be expanded into medication therapy management programs and services, with an increased focus on quality of care and outcomes. In these practice areas, harmacists will work as part of an integrated team of health care professionals and will have greater patient care responsibility.

"The new standard will ensure that managed care residency programs reflect the way pharmacists make decisions for patients, which increases young pharmacists' knowledge and understanding of managed care environments," commented Judith Cahill, executive director of AMCP.