The Pharmacy expects that staff will assume responsibility for delivering quality pharmaceutical care in accordance with the pharmacy mission. The Pharmacy Department will abide by the Staff Rights Mechanisms policy of the hospital (HR.1.01) which defines the circumstances in which an employee may refuse to participate in certain aspects of patient care or treatment.

1. Based on cultural, religious or ethical reasons a staff member may elect not to participate in patient care or treatment which includes:

• Abortion
• Sterilization procedures
• Withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatment, including nutrition and hydration.
• Following a physician’s orders or plan of care when the employee believes that the best interests of the patient are at risk

2. The staff member must notify the department director in writing of the aspect of the care or treatment the employee is refusing to participate in and the reason for the decision.
3. The department director must make what arrangements are necessary to insure that care is delivered to the patient by a qualified individual.

A grievance is defined as an expression of dissatisfaction regarding duties assigned, application of hospital policies or questions regarding non-promotion or dismissal of an employee. The grievance process may be used when an employee feels that he/she has been treated unfairly or improperly in one of the defined areas.

1. An employee who feels unfairly treated should first attempt to resolve the situation at the individual or working level.
2. If resolution is not possible, the matter is brought to the attention of the appropriate supervisor or to the Director of Pharmacy if the supervisor is involved.
3. If the matter can not satisfactorily be handled within the department within ten days of the complaint, the grievance process may be initiated.
4. The employee must follow the grievance process as outlined in the UAMS Staff Handbook.

Each staff member is responsible for complying with the policies and procedures of the hospital and of the pharmacy department. In cases where regulations are at the discretion of the department, a verbal instruction during orientation or written memos shall be considered sufficient communication.

1. The pharmacist will be responsible for all activities related to the dispensing of a drug. All actions or functions requiring professional pharmaceutical evaluation, interpretation, and the issuance of a professional judgment will be accomplished by a pharmacist.
2. All pharmacy employees that perform any technician duties as defined in Regulation 03-00-0005 must be registered by the Board of Pharmacy.  Supportive personnel will work under the supervision of a pharmacist and will perform only those duties and tasks allowed by the appropriate laws and regulations of the State of Arkansas, and/or additional limitation of duties based on the scope of the position and training/experience of the individual supportive person. 
3. Manufacturing and prepackaging of pharmaceutical products will be done by registered technicians only and will be under the supervision of a pharmacist with subsequent or concurrent verification of the process and a check of the finished product.