Unit of competency details

Release  

Comments 

First Release

New unit

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.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

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 maintenance  may include:

• regular data back-up
• downloading virus software updates
• keeping the dispensing program on the computer system up-to-date
• general maintenance.

Dispensary reports  may include: 

• clinical reports
• financial reports
• online claims reports.

Regular intervals  may include: 

• weekly
• fortnightly
• monthly.

Required PBS claims information  may 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 groups  may include:

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

• doctor’s bag
• concession
• entitlement
• general
• repatriation.