Substance Use Disorder Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner (On-Call)

University Health Partners of Hawaii•Kailua, HI

About The Position

The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner (CPP) operates at the highest level of clinical pharmacy practice, acting as an advanced practice provider for patients diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and related conditions. Working under a formal Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) with a Collaborating Physician, the CPP provides evidence-based, comprehensive medication management (CMM) with a high degree of clinical independence, including assessing patients independently, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and making all clinical decisions regarding the initiation, adjustment, titration, and discontinuation of medications for OUD. The CPP writes prescriptions for controlled substances (e.g., buprenorphine formulations) and executes them as an "Order by Protocol" under the Collaborating Physician's DEA number, fully complying with Hawaii state law (HRS §461-1(F)). Beyond clinical duties, the CPP manages the operational and dispensing aspects of the SUD pharmacy program, such as medication procurement, controlled substance inventory, and diversion prevention. The CPP is a key member of the interdisciplinary care team, takes on care coordination roles, and is dedicated to providing patient-centered, evidence-based care that aligns with harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and shared decision-making principles. Harm reduction forms a core part of this role, emphasizing that meeting patients where they are and minimizing the harms linked to substance use is as important as achieving abstinence-based results.

Requirements

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) or Bachelor of Pharmacy equivalent from an accredited institution.
Active, unrestricted pharmacist license issued by the Hawaii Board of Pharmacy.
Valid National Provider Identifier (NPI) number.
Maintains adequate professional liability (malpractice) insurance coverage throughout employment.
Completes training equivalent to the federal DATA 2000 / buprenorphine prescribing requirements prior to initiating patient care under the Collaborative Practice Agreement.
Demonstrates competency in suicide risk assessment tools (e.g., PHQ, C-SSRS) and safety planning prior to initiating patient care.
Demonstrates competency in advanced physical assessment skills, including interpretation of physical findings, vital signs, and standardized withdrawal instruments (COWS, SOWS)
Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a practicing clinical pharmacist, or completion of an accredited pharmacy residency program.
Expert knowledge of pharmacotherapy for opioid use disorder, including FDA-approved MOUD, clinical practice guidelines (e.g., SAMHSA TIP 63), and evidence-based standards of care.
Ability to apply PDMP data, UDS results, and relevant laboratory findings to clinical decision-making.
Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to engage patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members effectively.
Ability to function with high clinical autonomy and independently manage a complex patient panel with minimal supervision.
Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems, including shared documentation practices.
Knowledge of Hawaii state pharmacy law governing collaborative practice, controlled substances, and dispensing (HRS Chapter 461, HRS Chapter 329).
Working knowledge of DEA regulations governing controlled substance ordering, storage, dispensing, recordkeeping, and disposal (21 CFR Parts 1300–1321).
Familiarity with controlled substance auditing, inventory management systems, and diversion prevention practices.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a PGY1 and/or PGY2 pharmacy residency in ambulatory care, psychiatry, or a related specialty; or equivalent clinical experience.
Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy (BCPS), Psychiatric Pharmacy (BCPP), or Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (BCACP)
Experience in OUD/SUD management, addiction medicine, behavioral health, or primary care.
Experience with MOUD including buprenorphine and naltrexone management across all treatment phases.
Experience with controlled substance inventory management or pharmacy dispensing in a clinical setting.
Experience with motivational interviewing and shared decision-making in behavioral health settings.
Familiarity with telehealth service delivery platforms.
Experience with CSOS electronic controlled substance ordering.

Responsibilities

Provides evidence-based, comprehensive medication management (CMM) with a high degree of clinical independence
Assesses patients independently
Orders and interprets diagnostic tests
Makes all clinical decisions regarding the initiation, adjustment, titration, and discontinuation of medications for OUD
Writes prescriptions for controlled substances (e.g., buprenorphine formulations) and executes them as an "Order by Protocol" under the Collaborating Physician's DEA number
Manages the operational and dispensing aspects of the SUD pharmacy program, such as medication procurement, controlled substance inventory, and diversion prevention
Takes on care coordination roles
Provides patient-centered, evidence-based care that aligns with harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and shared decision-making principles