What Illinois Wholesale Distributors Need to Know About VAWD Accreditation

 Posted on April 17, 2025 in Professional License Defense

Federal oversight of pharmaceutical supply chains has intensified in recent years, and wholesale distributors are under more pressure than ever to meet rigorous compliance standards. One of the key developments in this effort is the push for accreditation through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) — formerly known as VAWD certification, now called NABP Drug Distributor Accreditation (DDA).

In Illinois, wholesale distributors who want to maintain their licenses and operate securely within the industry must understand the implications of accreditation, how it fits into broader federal enforcement efforts, and what they can do to protect their professional standing. An Illinois professional license defense attorney who is also a pharmacist is integral in ensuring that drug-distributing businesses start off and remain compliant – and, therefore, retain the ability to stay open.

What Is VAWD Certification and Why Was It Created?

The Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributors (VAWD) program was developed by NABP to bring consistency and oversight to the drug distribution system. With the program now renamed Drug Distributor Accreditation (DDA), the focus remains the same: Ensuring that only legitimate and properly vetted businesses handle the movement of prescription drugs, including controlled substances, within the supply chain.

The accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of a company’s operations, including a facility inspection, documentation review, and assessment of security measures, recordkeeping, and compliance practices. These reviews are designed to ensure the distributor meets high standards for transparency, reliability, and safety.

How Is the Federal Government Using Accreditation to Target Rogue Operators?

Federal enforcement agencies, including the DEA and FDA, have made it clear that they intend to clamp down on illegal drug distribution. One way they do this is by tightening oversight of wholesalers and pharmacies that may be engaging in questionable practices, particularly those involving controlled substances.

Distributors that are not accredited — or that fail to meet NABP’s standards — may be viewed as potential risks. Even if a company is fully licensed in Illinois, federal agencies may scrutinize its operations more closely if it lacks DDA accreditation. This can lead to audits, investigations, and even criminal inquiries if federal authorities suspect that a wholesaler is contributing to the diversion of prescription drugs.

What Are the Risks of Operating Without NABP Accreditation?

While it is possible to maintain a wholesale distributor license in Illinois without DDA accreditation, doing so may carry significant business and regulatory risks. Many manufacturers and pharmacy chains now refuse to work with distributors who are not accredited. Even those that do may subject non-accredited wholesalers to increased contract restrictions or frequent compliance checks.

Beyond the business consequences, there is the threat of regulatory action as well. In recent years, federal and state agencies have intensified their efforts to investigate license holders suspected of engaging in or enabling illegal drug distribution. Distributors without accreditation may find themselves facing frequent inspections, license reviews, or requests for documentation from regulators eager to ensure compliance.

In cases where accreditation is denied, suspended, or revoked, distributors could also face professional discipline, including license suspension or revocation by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). When compliance failures involve controlled substances, the risks are even greater, as enforcement may include civil penalties, criminal charges, or the loss of DEA registration.

Contact a Chicago, IL NABP and DDA Accreditation Attorney

If you are a wholesale distributor, pharmacist, or pharmacy owner navigating NABP accreditation or facing questions from IDFPR or a federal agency, experienced legal guidance can make all the difference. Protect your license and your business by working with someone who understands what is at stake.

Contact an Rockford, IL professional license defense attorney at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. by calling 630-310-1267. Attorney Joseph Bogdan offers a rare combination of pharmacy experience and legal skills, and he is committed to helping healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical distributors operate confidently in an increasingly regulated industry.