Chicago NABP Online Pharmacy Accreditation Attorney

Illinois Lawyer for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Certification

Pharmacies and Wholesale Drug Distributors will need to obtain the proper licenses and certifications to ensure that they are complying with the applicable laws and regulations. For pharmacies that are wholesale drug distributors, and wholesale drug distributors accreditation from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) will be necessary. However, the process of applying for this type of accreditation can be complicated and time-consuming.

An attorney who has an understanding of the eligibility requirements for certification, the application process, and the laws that apply to pharmacies can provide invaluable help in these situations. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., we have a strong knowledge of the issues that will need to be addressed by pharmacies and wholesale drug distributors as they work with the NABP, and we can help prepare and submit all required documents and application materials. With our understanding of pharmacy and wholesale drug distribution law, we can address any concerns that may arise and ensure that pharmacies and wholesale drug distributors other medical providers will be able to operate successfully.

Benefits of NABP Drug Distributor Accreditation

Under current federal laws, pharmacies that operate as wholesale drug distributors and wholesale drug distributors must receive the proper certifications from a recognized certifying body. Drug Distributor Accreditation from the NABP is required for these types of pharmacies. This form of accreditation was formerly known as Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributors (VAWD) accreditation.

The NABP's certification process can be complicated, but this certification provides prestige and recognition due to the established reputation of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Drug Distributor Accreditation will allow pharmacies or other businesses in the medical supply chain to store and distribute prescription drugs and other products. Some pharmacies may also apply for OTC Medical Device Distributor Accreditation, which will allow them to provide additional products and services.

NABP Accreditation Criteria

To qualify for Drug Distributor Accreditation, pharmacies and wholesale drug distributors will need to make sure they meet all eligibility requirements, and they must complete a Supply Chain Inspection. They will also need to demonstrate that they meet a number of criteria, including:

• Licensing - A pharmacy or wholesale drug distributor must be licensed and in good standing in all states or jurisdictions where it will be providing services. It must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and it must maintain sufficient liability insurance coverage and have funds to cover potential damages, fines, or other assessments.
• Facility - The location where prescription drugs or medical devices are stored, marketed, displayed, or shipped must be large enough to maintain proper distribution operations, and products should be stored at the proper temperatures. The proper security measures must be in place, and inventory control methods must be used to prevent, detect, and document theft, counterfeiting, or drug diversion.
• Personnel - A pharmacy or wholesale drug distributor's designated representative must not have been disciplined for violations related to prescription drugs, and they must not have been convicted of any criminal offense. They must have sufficient experience in the management of pharmacy or drug distribution operations, and they must understand the policies and procedures followed by the pharmacy or wholesale drug distributor. Other personnel must pass criminal background checks and drug tests, and they must have the appropriate education, training, and experience to handle drugs and medical devices.
• Record keeping - A pharmacy or wholesale drug distributor will need to verify that it maintains an inventory of drugs and devices and records of transactions regarding the receipt and distribution of these products.
• Authentication and verification - The proper methods must be used to verify that purchase orders and requests for prescription drugs or medical devices are legitimate and authentic. A pharmacy or wholesale drug distributor must be able to verify the identity of people or entities that seek to purchase drugs or devices, and they must be able to identify counterfeit, contaminated, damaged, or contraband products and materials.
• Damaged and outdated drugs - A pharmacy or wholesale drug distributor must have policies and procedures in place to separate drugs that are outdated, damaged, counterfeited, mislabeled, adulterated, or unfit for use by consumers and return these drugs to manufacturers or complete the proper destruction procedures. Notice must be provided to the FDA and the appropriate state regulatory agencies in these situations.
• Policies and procedures - A pharmacy or wholesale drug distributor must maintain and enforce written policies regarding the handling of drugs, emergency situations such as fires or floods, investigating discrepancies, reporting criminal activity, and addressing recalls.

Additional requirements may also apply for pharmacies or wholesale drug distributors or providers that use non-traditional business models, including third-party logistics providers, reverse distributors, outsourcing facilities, virtual distributors, and virtual manufacturers.

How Our Firm Can Assist With NABP Certification

The process of applying for Drug Distributor Accreditation through the NABP will involve numerous complex requirements. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., we can utilize our knowledge of pharmacy and wholesale drug distribution law and our experience addressing legal issues at the state and federal levels to ensure that these procedures will be completed correctly. We can help prepare the necessary documentation and provide evidence that all applicable criteria have been met.

Our goal is to ensure that a pharmacy or wholesale drug distributor can focus on maintaining successful operations. With NABP accreditation, a pharmacy or wholesale drug distributor can demonstrate that it is trusted to provide quality products and services to customers. As we take care of issues related to the certification process, a pharmacy and its employees can continue to build trust with customers and establish a successful brand.

Contact Our Illinois NABP Drug Distributor Accreditation Lawyer

To learn more about how The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. can help with the accreditation process for pharmacies and drug distributors, contact our office today at 630-310-1267. We offer free consultations, and we can provide the guidance needed to successfully obtain the proper certifications and address other legal concerns.