Managing pediatric behavioral health medications to ensure safe and effective care will be presented by clinical pharmacists in UMass Medical School’s Commonwealth Medicine division at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy’s Nexus conference Oct. 26-29 in Orlando, Florida.
“Pediatric Behavioral Health Medications: Development and Implementation of a Management Strategy” will be presented from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Oct. 28. Kimberly Lenz, PharmD, a clinical pharmacy manager in the Office of Clinical Affairs and an assistant professor of UMass Medical School’s Family Medicine and Community Health, and Donna M. Faber, PharmD, BCPS, a clinical consultant pharmacist from Clinical Pharmacy Services. They will discuss the importance of oversight and monitoring of behavioral health medication prescribing practices to ensure safe and effective care.
The increasing use of behavioral health medications, particularly in the pediatric population, has become a national issue. Several states have considered medication utilization review strategies for pediatric behavioral health medications. The session will describe how payers can develop a comprehensive medication safety program for the pediatric population through a prospective drug use management policy.
Paul L. Jeffrey, a clinical associate professor of UMass Medical School’s Family Medicine and Community Health and a pharmacy director in the Office of Clinical Affairs, will moderate. In his position at UMass Medical School, Jeffrey also serves as director of pharmacy for the Massachusetts Medicaid program, MassHealth.
The presentation was chronicled by the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy in its daily report, Managing the Treatment of Pediatric Behavioral Health.
Visit amcpmeetings.org for full session information.
A national leader in clinical pharmacy support, UMass Medical School’s Clinical Pharmacy Services division has become a sought-after partner for organizations seeking results-oriented solutions to containing pharmacy costs and improving patient outcomes. Their relationship with UMass Medical School enhances their capabilities by providing access to clinical resources, and the latest and most relevant research, data and trends.
The Office of Clinical Affairs provides clinical leadership to MassHealth. In this role, UMass Medical School supports a full range of medical management functions, including clinical policy, utilization management, pharmacy, quality, clinical informatics, and oral health on behalf of MassHealth programs.