Required skills

communication skills to

seek pharmacist approval for stock orders and confirm working stock levels

alert pharmacist to the delivery of controlled drugs

report discrepancies unacceptable quality and expired damaged and returned stock through clear and direct communication

ask questions to identify and confirm requirements

initiative and enterprise skills to follow environmental protection practices such as

identifying and handling products including

damaged contaminated or deteriorated stock

routine handling of products

special handling as required

disposing rejected dispensary items according to dispensary procedures

minimising waste

literacy skills to

check order and delivery documentation

record and maintain stock information

numeracy skills to

count and reconcile stock levels

calculate stock necessary to maintain required levels

review and compare information on stock cost

planning and organising skills to

receive and store stock in a timely manner

conduct dispensary stocktakes

maintain storage areas to meet good housekeeping requirements

plan and organise own work to meet dispensary stock control requirements

organise product return and recall

problemsolving skills to

maintain stock levels

handle and dispose of unused or returned dispensary stock

technology skills to use dispensary databases and information systems

Required knowledge

dispensary databases and information systems to support management of supplier information and process for ordering goods

dispensary layout and storage locations for dispensary items including requirements for storing scheduled medicines

dispensary procedures relating to stock control

financial implications of stock level control

personal role boundaries and responsibilities for maintaining and controlling dispensary stock

purpose of batch numbering and expiry dates on pharmaceutical products

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to

plan and carry out work to meet dispensary stock control requirements

apply pharmacy procedures and codes of practice in regard to dispensary stock control

follow contingency control procedures including procedures for returning pharmacy products to supplier or manufacturer and procedures for returning unwanted medicines from customer to pharmacy

recognise and act on situations requiring referral to a pharmacist

maintain housekeeping standards in the dispensary stores area

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure that competency is

consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor as described in the assessment

demonstrated in a real workplace environment that meets Pharmacy Board of Australia and relevant industry standards for dispensary operations which may include interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the pharmacy dispensary area

Assessment must ensure access to

relevant pharmacy procedures

relevant codes of practice or guidelines

dispensary stock control recordkeeping systems

dispensary stock control recordkeeping systems

relevant documentation such as

purchase orders

invoices and statements

packing slips

credit slips

standing orders

electronic data interchange EDI forms

a range of medicines and related equipment

storage capacity appropriate to a dispensary

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

observation of the learner

performing a range of dispensary stock control tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies

storing and handling a range of items including scheduled items requiring storage in secure areas and items with special handling and storage requirements

using dispensary information systems

written or oral questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test relevant underpinning knowledge

review of portfolios of evidence and thirdparty workplace reports

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector salon and job role is recommended

Dispensary stock may include:

Dispensary procedures may include:

Storage conditions may include:

Dispensary stock control procedures may include:

Dispose may include: