Physician Substitute
JOB TITLE: Physician Substitute
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Donor Center
SUPERVISOR: Donor Center Operations Manager
RESPONSIBLE FOR: N/A
JOB SUMMARY: The Physician Substitute is responsible for the evaluation of potential donors for automated plasmapheresis procedures. Administration and supervision of approved immunizations, per state regulations. Providing limited emergency care, including the administration of any medications or treatments, in accordance with licensure or certification, training, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) guidance. Working knowledge of all areas of operation in the plasma center. Maintains compliance with SOPs, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and regulatory guidelines.
Essential Job Functions:

Evaluates Donor Suitability
  • Determines donor suitability of new and applicant donors for plasmapheresis procedures and immunizations by conducting evaluations to ensure criteria of normal plasma donors are met and in accordance with SOPs, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), and cGMP.
    • May not fulfill Licensed Physician’s responsibilities for selection of donors for RBC immunization programs.
    • May not evaluate the suitability for plasmapheresis of donors with abnormal medical/laboratory findings.
  • Reviews informed consent forms for plasmapheresis and immunization.
  • Answers and discusses any donor questions and ensures donor is given a clear opportunity to refuse participation.
  • Reviews medical histories and performs physical examinations.
  • Maintains Physician/Physician Communication Logs regarding any communications with the Licensed Physician regarding donor suitability.
  • Understands and utilize donor center’s donor management computer software.

Maintains Donor Center Compliance:
  • Uses SOPs to facilitate compliance with regulations.
  • Complies with federal, state, local and company-specific regulations related to quality of product, employee, and donor safety and to the proper performance of day-to-day activities.
  • Reviews Nexlynk and/or immunization paperwork for accuracy.

Manages Donors:
  • Reviews accumulated data in a timely fashion to confirm suitability and consults with donor center Licensed Physician, as needed.
  • Classifies donors to appropriate program.
  • Monitors donor reactions to plasmapheresis and documents, accordingly.
  • Interacts with donor center Licensed Physician regarding ordering immunizations.
    • May not order immunizations.
    • Monitors donors for possible adverse reactions to immunization.
  • Performs duties for the Hyperimmune Program, if applicable, as described in SOPs.
  • Reviews all normal and abnormal test results in Nexlynk to determine continued donor eligibility.
    • Cannot reinstate donors who have been deferred due to an abnormal Serum Protein Electropheresis (SPE).
    • May only determine the continued suitability for plasmapheresis of normal, healthy donors.
    • May not evaluate high risk/known infectious donors.
  • Maintains confidentiality with respect to employee, donor, and donor center records reviewed during all duties.
  • Counsels donors with abnormal test results and defers donors, according to deferral matrix.
  • Provides appropriate medical care to donors during plasmapheresis procedures if complication arises.
  • Cross train and perform functions of Donor Center Tech I, II, III and Phlebotomist I, II, III.
  • Performs other job-related tasks, as assigned.

Job Specifications:
  • Graduate of a recognized healthcare-related educational program, such as Physician, Nurse (Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse). Certified/licensed as an emergency medical technician (EMT Basic, EMT 2-intermediate or 3-advanced/paramedic, if allowable).
  • Must work within the scope of the professional license/certification, as defined by the state in which the work is performed.
  • Any specific state licensing requirements must be met, per location.
    • Alabama: Must always have a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse on staff during plasmaphersis to supervise processes and procedures, but not staff, of the medical screening and/or donor floor areas, per state regulation.
    • California: Must be Registered Nurse and be currently licensed in the state. Must be able to supervise processes and procedures, but not staff, of the medical screening and/or donor floor areas, per state regulation.
    • New Jersey: Must be a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse. Must always have a Registered Nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse on staff during
    plasmapheresis to provide emergency care, per blood bank state regulation.
    • Ohio: Must be a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), EMT- Paramedic (EMT-P), or EMT Intermediate
    (EMT-I). Must have at least one (1) RN, LPN, LVN, EMT-P, or EMT-I always present in the Donor Center during plasmapheresis to supervise processes and procedures, but not staff, of the donor floor area, per state
    regulation.
    • Washington: Must be a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse. Must always have a Registered Nurse on staff during plasmapheresis to supervise
    processes and procedures, but not staff, of the medical screening and/or donor floor areas, per state regulation.
  • One (1)-year experience in the hospital, or field care or experience in plasma center preferred.
  • Everyone performing moderate complexity testing must possess a current license issued by state in which the donor center is located, based on any required state regulations.
  • Must successfully complete training program and competency assessments using OPI approved training modules or training curriculum.
  • Must have excellent patient/donor assessment skills.
  • Must be able to manage emergency situations, in accordance with standard medical care practices.
  • Must maintain current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
  • Must be highly organized and have attention to detail.
  • Possess effective diagnostic, customer service, and people management skills.
  • Ability to understand and follow SOPs and protocols.
  • Maintain current and valid license and pass medical credential evaluation.
  • Must possess basic computer knowledge and skills. Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel preferred.
  • Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.
  • Demonstrate consistency and reliability (good attendance, punctual, apply full effort throughout shift, flexibility with assigned schedule).
  • Ability to work day and evening hours, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts on a frequent basis.


Physical Requirements:
  • Determines donor suitability of new and applicant donors for plasmapheresis procedures and immunizations by conducting evaluations to ensure criteria of normal plasma donors are met and in accordance with SOPs, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), and cGMP.
  • May not fulfill Licensed Physician’s responsibilities for selection of donors for RBC immunization programs.
  • May not evaluate the suitability for plasmapheresis of donors with abnormal medical/laboratory findings.
  • Reviews informed consent forms for plasmapheresis and immunization.
  • Answers and discusses any donor questions and ensures donor is given a clear opportunity to refuse participation.
  • Reviews medical histories and performs physical examinations.
  • Maintains Physician/Physician Communication Logs regarding any communications with the Licensed Physician regarding donor suitability.
  • Understands and utilize donor center’s donor management computer software.