Getting Your Website LegitScript Certified and NABP Accredited

 Posted on January 20, 2025 in Pharmacy License Defense

In today’s world, where much of the healthcare industry has shifted online, operating a pharmacy website comes with unique challenges. LegitScript certification and NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) accreditation are essential for online pharmacies and telehealth providers looking to build trust, comply with regulations, and avoid legal trouble. However, the certification and accreditation processes can be long and complicated, especially for first-timers.

As an Illinois professional license defense attorney who is also a pharmacist, Attorney Bogdan understands the complexities of the LegitScript and NABP processes better than most. His dual background allows him to help clients navigate the certification requirements and defend them if they encounter compliance issues.

What Is LegitScript Certification?

LegitScript is the gold standard for certifying online healthcare businesses, including pharmacies, telehealth platforms, and substance abuse treatment centers. It ensures that these businesses comply with federal and state laws, as well as industry best practices. Without LegitScript certification, major platforms like Google, Facebook, and Visa may block your website, ads, or payment processing.

Steps to Obtain LegitScript Certification

• Eligibility Check: Ensure your business model complies with all federal and state laws, including pharmacy licensure requirements and regulations related to controlled substances.

• Application Submission: Complete the LegitScript application and provide extensive documentation, such as proof of licensure, policies for prescription verification, and patient data privacy practices.

• Compliance Review: LegitScript will thoroughly review your application, policies, and procedures to confirm compliance with its standards.

• Ongoing Monitoring: Once certified, your business will be subject to ongoing monitoring to ensure continued compliance.

LegitScript certification is rigorous and time-consuming, but it is essential for building credibility and operating legally in the online healthcare space.

What Is NABP Accreditation?

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) offers accreditation programs for online pharmacies, telehealth providers, and wholesale drug distributors. The NABP’s Digital Pharmacy Accreditation, for instance, ensures that online pharmacies meet the highest standards of pharmacy practice, licensure, and patient care.

Steps to Obtain NABP Accreditation

• Initial Assessment: Review the specific accreditation program requirements to confirm your eligibility. The NABP offers several accreditation programs, including Digital Pharmacy Accreditation and Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributors (VAWD).

• Create an e-Profile Account: Before you can submit an application, you need to make an e-Profile account for your business so the NABP boards have the information they need to make decisions about your application.

• Application Submission: Submit a detailed application, including your pharmacy licenses, proof of compliance with state and federal laws, and detailed operational policies.

• Site Inspection: For some accreditation programs, the NABP conducts an on-site inspection to verify compliance with its standards.

• Approval: Once your application and operations meet NABP requirements, you will receive accreditation.

NABP accreditation enhances your credibility with patients and regulatory bodies and helps ensure compliance with state boards of pharmacy and federal regulations.

Challenges in the Certification and Accreditation Processes

Both LegitScript and NABP require extensive documentation, compliance with complex regulations, and a commitment to maintaining high standards. Many applicants encounter challenges such as incomplete or inconsistent documentation, difficulty complying with state or federal regulations, difficulty interpreting requirements or navigating application processes, and rejection of applications due to minor errors or misunderstandings. Mistakes during the application process can result in delays, denials, or even legal issues that can jeopardize your business.

How Can a LegitScript and Accreditation Attorney Help? 

As both an attorney and a licensed pharmacist, Attorney Bogdan is uniquely suited to assist healthcare businesses seeking LegitScript certification or NABP accreditation. As you go through the process of deciding which certification or accreditation you want to pursue, The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. will prepare your business for success. This includes not only step-by-step assistance throughout the certification or accreditation process, but also the support you need to build policies and procedures to document your business’s compliance.

If you need help at any point, including after accreditation, our firm will be here. For example, if you are audited or inspected, or are facing disciplinary issues, you will already have an experienced attorney on your side who is familiar not only with the LegitScript and NABP defense process, but also with your business specifically.

Contact an Illinois LegitScript and NABP Accreditation Attorney

Getting your website LegitScript certified or NABP accredited is a critical step in building a compliant and trustworthy online healthcare business. However, the process can be complex, and mistakes can lead to costly setbacks.

As an attorney and pharmacist, Attorney Jay Bogdan brings a deep understanding of both the legal and healthcare aspects of LegitScript and NABP compliance. Contact The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. today at 630-310-1267 to schedule a free consultation with our Illinois LegitScript and NABP Accreditation lawyer.