Eligibility
Practitioners from all hospitals and health systems within the United States are eligible to apply for the award. The practitioner’s hospital or health system must be licensed by the state(s) in which it is located.

Selection Criteria
Each application for the awards program will be evaluated on a 5 point scale using the following four criteria: medication-use system initiative/scope, planning and implementation, measurable outcomes and impact, and innovation and applicability. Each selection criteria will be tabulated using the following scale:

1. Minimal
2. Developing
3. Achieving
4. Accomplished, and
5. Exemplary.

The three applications with the highest numerical scores will be chosen as finalists for the award. The same selection criteria will be utilized during the site visit evaluations for determination of the first place winner and finalists.

Medication-Use System Initiative/Scope
• Scope was system-wide and broad in nature. Initiative encompassed multiple components of the medication-use system.
• The issue or challenge was quantifiable. There was evidence of measurements taken to quantify the issue.
• After data collection and analysis was completed, there was sufficient evidence that a performance improvement plan was necessary; the data was compelling.
• Evidence of the pharmacist’s role in issue identification and leadership was apparent.

Planning and Implementation
• The pharmacist (or pharmacist in conjunction with others) identified and engaged multidisciplinary stakeholders.
• Implementation approach-the plan was well-constructed and was based on comprehensive plans and time tables.
• The initial goals for the improvements and endpoints for the improvements were identified.
• The group identified barriers and developed strategies to overcome them.
• Educational and communication needs of staff were identified in plan.
• Evidence of pharmacist’s role in developing and implementing plan.

Measurable Outcomes and Impact
• Results were measurable and clearly demonstrated impact on the medication-use system and patient care in achievement of the goal.
• The data collected from measurements was examined. Adequate adjustments were made after initial measurement and/or feedback if applicable.
• Improved outcomes were achieved over a sustained period of time.
• Results of the project have been communicated and utilized within the institution.
• Unique lessons were learned and communicated.
• Evidence of the pharmacist’s role in assessing results, communicating results and gauging impact.

Innovation and Applicability
• Innovative or effective approach(s) of achieving teamwork and cooperation across disciplines.
• Ability for wide-scale adoption or implementation by other hospitals or health-systems.
• Project plan, results and lessons learned communicated to others-externally.
• Demonstrated an innovative approach to use of resources (i.e. dollars, staff time, techniques, tools).
• Sustainability of results.