NABP Digital Pharmacy Accreditation — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from online pharmacies, mail-order operations, and telepharmacy practices about NABP Digital Pharmacy Accreditation. For questions specific to your situation, schedule a free discovery session.
What is NABP Digital Pharmacy Accreditation?
NABP Digital Pharmacy Accreditation is a nationally recognized credential for pharmacies that provide prescription dispensing, patient counseling, or pharmacy services through a digital platform — including pharmacy websites, mobile apps, mail-order operations, and telepharmacy practices. The accreditation verifies compliance with applicable laws, patient safety standards, and NABP's comprehensive digital pharmacy practice standards.
Does a mail-order pharmacy need Digital Pharmacy Accreditation?
Mail-order pharmacies are a primary audience for Digital Pharmacy Accreditation. Many PBMs and health plans require or prefer accreditation for mail-order pharmacy network participation. If your pharmacy ships prescriptions to patients in multiple states via a website or patient portal, accreditation demonstrates multi-state compliance and legitimacy. IHS recommends all mail-order pharmacies evaluate their accreditation status given increasing payer requirements.
Is Digital Pharmacy Accreditation required to obtain a .pharmacy domain?
Yes. NABP administers the .pharmacy top-level domain registry, and Digital Pharmacy Accreditation is a recognized pathway to obtaining a .pharmacy domain name. The .pharmacy domain is restricted to verified, compliant pharmacy operations and signals authenticity to patients and search engines.
How long does Digital Pharmacy Accreditation last?
NABP Digital Pharmacy Accreditation is issued for a 3-year term. Accredited pharmacies are subject to ongoing monitoring and compliance requirements throughout the accreditation period. NABP may conduct unannounced compliance checks and expects continuous adherence to all standards — not just at initial review.
Does my pharmacy need to be licensed in every state it ships to?
Yes. Digital Pharmacy Accreditation requires current, active pharmacy licenses in good standing in all jurisdictions where you dispense medications. For multi-state operations, this means non-resident pharmacy licenses in each ship-to state. IHS assesses your current licensure posture as part of every Digital Pharmacy Accreditation engagement.
What is the Ryan Haight Act and how does it affect Digital Pharmacy Accreditation?
The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act prohibits dispensing controlled substances via the internet without a valid prescription based on an in-person medical evaluation (with limited telemedicine exceptions). Digital Pharmacy Accreditation requires compliance with the Ryan Haight Act and documentation of valid prescriber-patient relationships for controlled substance prescriptions.
Does Digital Pharmacy Accreditation cover telepharmacy operations?
Yes. NABP's Digital Pharmacy Accreditation applies to telepharmacy operations offering prescription verification, patient counseling, and other pharmacy services via digital platforms. Telepharmacy operations must comply with the same core standards plus applicable state telepharmacy regulations. IHS integrates state-specific telepharmacy compliance into every engagement.
What website requirements must an online pharmacy meet for accreditation?
Required disclosures include the pharmacy's physical address, pharmacist contact information, state licensure details, privacy policy, and complaint reporting mechanism. The site must be secure (HTTPS), must not make false or misleading medication claims, and must not market controlled substances in ways that facilitate diversion. IHS reviews client websites against these standards as part of every engagement.
How does NABP verify ongoing compliance after accreditation is granted?
NABP monitors accredited digital pharmacies through ongoing compliance activities including periodic reviews, complaint-triggered investigations, and unannounced website audits. Accredited pharmacies must report material changes — ownership, licensure status, significant operational changes — and maintain all standards continuously.
Can a pharmacy with a prior enforcement action obtain Digital Pharmacy Accreditation?
Prior enforcement actions do not automatically disqualify a pharmacy, but they are evaluated as part of the eligibility review. NABP considers the nature, severity, and resolution of prior actions and the pharmacy's current compliance posture. IHS advises clients with prior enforcement history on application framing and material corrective measures.
How does IHS help online pharmacies prepare for Digital Pharmacy Accreditation?
IHS provides a phased engagement covering gap assessment, policy and SOP development, website compliance review, multi-state licensure assessment, and pre-application mock review. Thomas G. Goddard, JD, PhD — IHS's principal consultant and former Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of URAC — leads every engagement directly, tailored to your specific digital pharmacy model.
Additional Questions?
Schedule a Free Discovery Session to discuss your digital pharmacy's specific accreditation questions with IHS.