PHCY 5240 Pharmaceutical Homicide
An introduction to the emerging field of Forensic Pharmacy, this course reviews standard approaches to homicide investigation, with a focus on possible poisoning with pharmaceutical products. The case study method is used to examine the legal foundations of the many circumstances in which pharmaceuticals that were intended for therapeutic purposes have instead been used as murder weapons, either within a healthcare setting or in the victims’ homes. The course considers pharmacy system modifications that can be implemented to anticipate the murderous use of medications and to prevent the criminal use of medications in the taking of a human life. To see full syllabus, click here >
PHCY 5248 The Opioid Crisis
This course examines the diversion and abuse of opioid analgesic medications within the context of what has been referred to as an “epidemic” of substance use disorder. The history of opioid use in the United States is reviewed. The challenges of treating chronic pain patients with opioid analgesics are considered. The complementary responsibilities to provide opioid medications to those who need them for use in therapy, and to deny medications to those who would divert and/or abuse them are discussed. Case studies in healthcare professional responsibility are evaluated to determine how policies and procedures can be developed and implemented in a healthcare setting to meet regulatory compliance goals and to meet patient care goals. To see full syllabus, click here >
PHCY 5210 Regulating Dangerous Drug Use
An overview of the specialty field known as Pharmacy Regulatory Compliance for those who might wish to consider pursuing a professional role in the area of pharmacy practice legal responsibilities. The practices and procedures of government agencies such as FDA, DEA, CMS, and state healthcare licensing boards are discussed. The course studies the motivating factors that underlie the activities of regulators, and how the regulated industry, along with health institutions and health professionals, can develop effective collaborative practices that meet the requirements of regulators while also meeting the needs of patients. Legal case studies are evaluated to facilitate development of strategies for the design of regulatory compliance systems in health care generally, and in pharmacy specifically. To see full syllabus, click here >
PHCY 5670 Medication Malpractice
A course designed for those who are considering a career in the field of Risk Management, or for those who want to equip themselves for the position of pharmacist-in-charge. The course explains how and why exposure to legal liability is a significant challenge in pharmacy practice. Principles that can be implemented to manage (but not eliminate) the risk of legal liability are reviewed. Numerous case studies are evaluated, including those related to order processing errors as well as those related to judgmental errors in advanced pharmacy practice. The overall theme of the course is that continuous quality improvement programs can identify causes of elevated malpractice risk and can modify systems to reduce the risk of liability. To see the full syllabus, click here >