Karol L. Hess Pharm D. RPH
Saint Augustine,FL
Summary
A seasoned pharmacist with over two decades of experience, specializing in compliance, regulatory affairs, and diversion prevention within healthcare settings. Proven expertise in ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations governing pharmaceutical practices. Adept at developing and implementing robust policies and procedures to safeguard controlled substances and mitigate the risk of diversion. Demonstrated track record of providing comprehensive training, and conducting thorough audits to maintain the highest standards of pharmaceutical care. A results-driven professional with a deep commitment to patient safety and operational excellence. Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Microsoft Word, Google Docs.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Drug Diversion Pharmacist
ST. Vincent's Clay County/ South Side Hospitals
Middleburg , FL
2023.02 - 2023.11
- Collaborate with the pharmacy and clinical teams to develop and update policies and procedures related to controlled substance handling, storage, dispensing, and disposal
- Ensure policies comply with state and federal regulations, as well as industry best practices.
- Implement routine audits and monitoring programs to assess compliance with controlled substance handling protocols.
- Analyze data to identify trends, anomalies, and potential indicators of diversion
- Utilize and leverage technology solutions (e.g., automated dispensing cabinets, electronic health records, diversion monitoring software) to enhance drug diversion prevention efforts. Conduct thorough investigations, documenting findings and recommending appropriate actions.
- Collaborate with the Pharmacy, Nursing, Security, Compliance, and Risk Management teams to develop a multidisciplinary approach to drug diversion prevention.
- Serve as a liaison between different departments to facilitate effective communication and information sharing.
- Stay up-to-date with federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to controlled substances and drug diversion prevention.
- Analyzed data to provide insights and recommendations for mitigating conduct risk.
- Conducted reviews to foster ongoing compliance with federal and local regulations.
- Collaborate with the Quality Committee to interpret and integrate the latest USP 795, 797, and 800 guidelines into existing policies and procedures.
- Ensure alignment with industry best practices for safe compounding practices
- Collaborate with the Quality Committee to review and update existing policies and procedures in light of the new USP guidelines.
- Ensure that policies are reflective of the latest industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Compliance Officer
Arizona State Board of Pharmacy
Phoenix , AZ
2014.06 - 2022.12
- Planned and executed compliance audits to check company policies, procedures and controls.
- Produced reports detailing compliance findings and recommendations for improvements.
- Facilitated adherence to all safety and regulatory objectives.
- Enforced regulations by reviewing federal and state laws to confirm compliance by pharmacies (retail & hospital), drug manufacturers, drug wholesalers, nuclear pharmacies, 503B, DME/CMG facilities.
- Adhered to deadlines.
- Closely monitored infraction tracking system for accuracy and effectiveness.
- Reviewed contracts from pharmacies and verified corrections met all regulatory requirements.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise strategies to improve processes and risk controls as well as implement new systems and best practice guidelines.
- Carefully maintained and circulated filing documents and records to department heads.
- Opened investigations into issues brought up by individuals in community. Presented reports to Board members regarding violations of State and Federal Pharmacy law.
- Conducted reviews to foster ongoing compliance with federal and local regulations.
Pharmacist
Walgreens
Tuscon , AZ
2011.02 - 2014.06
- Monitored medication inventory levels and kept detailed documentation in company software.
- Compounded, packaged, labeled and dispensed medications.
- Communicated with physicians to prevent harmful drug reactions, therapy duplications and allergic reactions.
- Oversaw drug preparation and distribution activities to provide safe, efficient care for patients.
- Recommended over-the-counter medications for patients after assessing symptoms.
- Mentored pharmacy technicians and trainees, providing insight and answering questions regarding company procedures and medical protocols.
- Provided excellent customer service by assisting customers with medical-related issues and providing healthcare counseling.
- Promoted health and well-being of patients by administering flu immunizations.
- Checked prescriptions for proper contents and labeling.
- Researched customer health insurance plans to provide prescription authorization and efficient patient care.
- Provided consultations to patients to explain directions for prescription use.
- Trained individuals in how to use devices to promote optimal medical support.
- Counseled patients on drug therapies to ensure proper utilization.
- Analyzed prescribing trends to monitor patient compliance and prevent excessive usage.
Pharmacy Technician Instructor
Arizona college
Phoenix , Arizona
2012.08 - 2013.05
- Passed out syllabi and informed students of course standards and learning objectives.
- Used individualized instruction techniques to educate students on patient observation, assessment, decision-making and health teaching.
- Relayed feedback on clinical settings' effectiveness in enabling students reach course and program goals.
- Held clinical simulation projects and provided each student with individual feedback.
- Retained interest and maximized receptive learning by educating students utilizing instructional techniques including hands-on and laboratory curriculum.
- Assessed students' knowledge and skills through assignments and exams.
- Kept team on track by assigning and supervising their activities and giving constructive feedback.
Pharmacist
CVS
Queen Creek , AZ
2003.07 - 2010.08
- Monitored medication inventory levels and kept detailed documentation in company software.
- Compounded, packaged, labeled and dispensed medications.
- Communicated with member physicians to prevent harmful drug reactions, therapy duplications and allergic reactions.
- Oversaw drug preparation and distribution activities to provide safe, efficient care for patients.
- Established clear and effective customer service policies.
- Recommended over-the-counter medications for patients after assessing symptoms.
- Mentored pharmacy technicians and trainees; providing insight and answering questions regarding company procedures and medical protocols.
- Provided excellent customer service by assisting customers with medical-related issues and providing healthcare counseling.
- Checked prescriptions for proper contents and labeling.
- Researched customer health insurance plans to provide prescription authorization and efficient patient care.
- Provided consultations to patients to explain directions for prescription use.
- Trained individuals in how to use devices to promote optimal medical support.
- Counseled patients on drug therapies to ensure proper utilization.
Education
Doctor of Pharmacy - Pharmacy
Midwestern University College of Pharmacy Glendale
Glendale, ArizonaSkills
- Expertise in the requirements of written regulation and compliance
- Investigative reporting
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Multitasking
- Active listening
- File systems management
- Interpreting complex documents
- Microsoft office 360 software applications
- Organizational and follow-up skills
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Project coordination
- Risk management strategies
- Compliance reviews
- Reporting requirements
- Field investigations
- Interviewing techniques
- Compounding abilities
- Interpreting orders
- Calculating doses
- Overseeing pharmacy operations
- Dispensing medicines
- Safety awareness
- Proper storage understanding
- Quality assurance standards
- Profitability understanding
- Resolving complaints
- Documentation abilities
- Dosing recommendations
- Quality assurance controls
Certification
- International Health Facility Diversion Association 2022 ENDURING Fundamental Drug Diversion Certification
- Certification in Six Sigma Lean, White, Yellow , Green belt level
Timeline
Drug Diversion Pharmacist
ST. Vincent's Clay County/ South Side Hospitals
2023.02 - 2023.11
Compliance Officer
Arizona State Board of Pharmacy
2014.06 - 2022.12
Pharmacy Technician Instructor
Arizona college
2012.08 - 2013.05
Pharmacist
Walgreens
2011.02 - 2014.06
Pharmacist
CVS
2003.07 - 2010.08
Doctor of Pharmacy - Pharmacy
Midwestern University College of Pharmacy Glendale
- International Health Facility Diversion Association 2022 ENDURING Fundamental Drug Diversion Certification
- Certification in Six Sigma Lean, White, Yellow , Green belt level
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