SIRCDIS303

Assist in dispensing prescriptions

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Perform general administrative tasks.

1.1.Complete administrative tasks using dispensary systems and following established procedures.

1.2.Maintain supplies of consumable items.

1.3.Maintain safe, uncluttered and hygienic dispensary work and storage areas.

2. Maintain the dispensary computer system.

2.1.Perform routine computer maintenance.

2.2.Regularly update dispensing system data to ensure its accuracy and currency.

2.3.Generate dispensary reports as needed.

2.4.Inform pharmacist in charge of changes to the data stored in the dispensary information system.

2.5.Maintain confidentiality of dispensary information where required.

3. Prepare PBS claims.

3.1.Close off at regular intervals claim period for prescriptions, as directed by the supervising pharmacist and to meet Medicare Australia and PBS claim reimbursement timelines.

3.2.Check prescription forms to ensure they have been signed and dated by the patient or agent.

3.3.Ensure required PBS claims information has been included on each item being claimed.

3.4.Collate prescriptions into patient groups.

3.5.Check serial numbers and refer missing serial numbers to the pharmacist in charge.

3.6.Refer completed hard and soft copy claims data to pharmacist in charge for sign-off, and forward to Medicare Australia.

4. Reconcile Medicare Australia payments.

4.1.Check Medicare Australia payments against data lodged by the pharmacy for the claim period.

4.2.Identify out-of-period adjustments from prior claims and refer to pharmacist in charge.

4.3.Confirm that payments claimed have been received and refer any outstanding payments to pharmacist in charge.

Required skills

communication skills to:

inform pharmacist in charge of changes to data stored in the dispensary administration system

seek direction from and refer anomalies to pharmacist in charge when preparing and reconciling PBS claims

initiative and enterprise skills to follow environmental protection practices, such as:

disposing of rejected dispensary items according to dispensary procedures

minimising waste

literacy skills to:

check and collate prescription forms

check Medicare Australia and PBS claims documentation

check dispensary information

follow dispensary procedures

numeracy skills to reconcile Medicare Australia payments against data lodged by the pharmacy

planning and organising skills to:

maintain storage areas to meet good housekeeping requirements

plan and organise own work to meet dispensary stock control requirements

teamwork skills to support the dispensary team under the direction of the pharmacist in charge

technology skills to use dispensary databases and information systems to:

complete online PBS claims information

produce reports

update dispensary data as directed by the pharmacist in charge

Required knowledge

dispensary databases and information systems

dispensary procedures relating to:

computer maintenance

general housekeeping

ordering consumables

preparing Medicare Australia claims documentation

protecting customer privacy

reconciling Medicare Australia payments against claims lodged by the pharmacy

waste disposal

key features of the PBS

Medicare Australia claims procedures, including:

submitting an online claim form

preparing and submitting the paper claim

required claim information, including:

prescription identification

serial numbers

Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) prescriptions for items not included in the PBS or RPBS Schedule

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 perform general administration tasks as directed by the pharmacist in charge

perform routine computer maintenance and update dispensary system information

prepare PBS claims for signing by the pharmacist in charge

reconcile Medicare Australia payments and report anomalies to the pharmacist in charge.

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 dispensary procedures

relevant codes of practice or guidelines

dispensary information systems

relevant PBS claims documentation.

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 administration tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies

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 third-party workplace reports.

Guidance information for assessment

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

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Routine computer maintenancemay include:

regular data back-up

downloading virus software updates

keeping the dispensing program on the computer system up-to-date

general maintenance.

Dispensary reportsmay include:

clinical reports

financial reports

online claims reports.

Regular intervalsmay include:

weekly

fortnightly

monthly.

Required PBS claims informationmay include:

up-to-date online data for each claims period

prescriptions endorsed, signed and dated by the patient with a sticker or stamp indicating:

serial number for the claim

price claimed for:

elected PBS prescriptions

exceptional PBS prescriptions

RPBS prescriptions

confirmation that the PBS prescription is endorsed

claim for a glass dropper where applicable

any clarification of the prescription to assist Medicare Australia payment processing.

Patient groupsmay include:

prescriptions collated and put into serial number order in patient groups, including:

doctor’s bag

concession

entitlement

general

repatriation.