What is required of nursing home consultant pharmacists each year regarding continuing education?

Nursing home consultant pharmacists in Arkansas are required to complete six hours of additional continuing education (CE) each year specifically related to the practice of consulting in nursing homes. This requirement ensures that pharmacists stay current with developments in medication management, regulatory changes, and best practices to improve patient care within the long-term care setting.

The emphasis on continuing education reflects the dynamic nature of healthcare and the importance of maintaining competency to safely advise on medication use in vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly in nursing homes. By mandating these six hours annually, regulations aim to uphold the standards of care and ensure that pharmacists can effectively fulfill their roles in interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

This requirement aligns with broader professional practices in healthcare, where ongoing education is essential for providing high-quality care and adapting to new evidence-based practices.