Keck Medicine of USC has received accreditation/certification as a Center of Excellence for Safe Medication-Use and Pharmacy Practice from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), making Keck Medicine one of only eight health systems in the nation to receive this prestigious designation.

“Our pharmacy team has worked incredibly hard to deliver the best possible care for our patients, and this honor is validation of our commitment to excellent care,” said Krist Azizian, PharmD, MHA, Keck Medicine’s chief pharmacy officer.

The certification includes Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Cancer Hospital, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, Keck Medicine of USC Specialty Pharmacy and USC Care Medical Group.

The ASHP Standard for Certification as a Center of Excellence in Medication-Use Safety and Pharmacy Practice reflects contemporary best practices for hospital and health-system pharmacy practice. Pharmacies that achieve this ASHP certification demonstrate the highest levels of pharmacy practice, medication safety and pharmacy patient care services.

“Our patients trust us to deliver medications in a safe, timely manner, using best practices to guide us,  said Rod Hanners, CEO of Keck Medicine. “Being recognized as a center of excellence distinguishes us from other organizations and enhances our credibility.”

The ASHP is the largest association of pharmacy professionals in the United States, representing 60,000 pharmacists, student pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in all patient care settings, including hospitals, ambulatory clinics and health-system community pharmacies.

— Alison Rainey