FLINT, Mich. — Diplomat Pharmacy announced Monday that it has earned the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites seal of approval from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. VIPPS-accredited pharmacies meet nationally endorsed standards of pharmacy practice and demonstrate compliance with standards of privacy, authentication and security of prescriptions. Diplomat will display the VIPPS seal on its website, which will serve as a benchmark for consumers and link to verified information about the specialty pharmacy.
“Displaying the VIPPS seal demonstrates Diplomat’s commitment to the highest standards of pharmacy practice and excellence in the provision of patient care,” stated Gary Kadlec, president of Diplomat. “We want our entire constituent base of patients, prescribers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, payors and pharmacists to recognize Diplomat as compliant with state and federal laws and regulations as well as NABP’s criteria.”
“In addition to demonstrating our commitment to excellence, the VIPPS sets the stage for Diplomat to expand its online presence,” said Jennifer Cretu, VP marketing and public relations at Diplomat. “As an added bonus, the VIPPS seal proves that Diplomat is a fully vetted online pharmacy with the utmost commitment to patient safety.”
NABP does not regulate online pharmacies, but offers the VIPPS certification as a means for these businesses to demonstrate competent Internet-based pharmacy practices. Pharmacies that have earned VIPPS accreditation are required to undergo an annual review and a three-year accreditation review to ensure continued compliance.
Diplomat is one of a select of pharmacies that have earned the VIPPS certification. According to NABP, the organization has reviewed more than 10,000 Internet pharmacy sites, with only 3% appearing to be in compliance with pharmacy laws and practice standards.