Bon Secours Baltimore Health System
Competence Assessment
April 26, 2002
Pharmacy Staff
Dear :
Competence is defined as the condition or quality of being well qualified, fit, or capable.' The joint Commission
on Accreditation of Health care Organizations (joint Commission) considers a competent individual one who has the
essential knowledge and skills necessary to perform a job and actually performs the job according to defined expectations.
It is important to note that competence is the ability to use essential rather than advanced knowledge and skills.
Assessing competence does not necessarily determine if an individual has a high level of knowledge and proficiency.
Requiring pharmacy staff to be competent is in the best interest of patients, visitor, and staff. Competent staff
is able to:
· Prepare medications accurately
· Counsel patients and their familes about medications effectively
· Understand the unique needs of various patient types and age groups
· Operate equipment properly
· Handle hazardous materials safely
· Minimize opportunities for contamination and transfer of infection
· Respond promptly and properly to medical emergencies and disasters
· Monitor drug therapy for inappropriate prescribing, allergies, interactions, and contraindications.
Ongoing education, training, and periodic competence assessments can ensure that their competence is maintained.
We are now beginning the process of assessing competence. Pharmacy staff must meet or exceed these standards.
Where needed, staff must receive additional education and training and demonstrate that they have improved their
competence to an acceptable level. The Pharmacy staff must commit to performing the evaluations. Our patients deserve
nothing less.
Sincerely,
Larry Bierley
Director of Pharmacy Service
