Internet Pharmacy Public Safety Awareness (Resolution No. 103-3-07)

May 22, 2007 12:49 PM Topics: Resolutions

Resolution Number: 103-3-07
Title: Internet Pharmacy Public Safety Awareness
Action: Passed
 

Whereas, it is often difficult for the public to distinguish legitimate Internet pharmacies and Web sites from rogue Internet pharmacies and Web sites; and

Whereas, the public is generally unaware of the various risks of purchasing prescription drugs from Internet pharmacies and Web sites; and

Whereas, exacerbating these risks, local, state, and federal legislators continue to introduce legislation allowing and encouraging the public to purchase prescription drugs from foreign-based Internet pharmacies and Web sites, some of which have been involved in the dispensing of counterfeit prescription drugs and other products obtained from unregulated or unknown sources; and

Whereas, boards of pharmacy require additional resources and support to effectively regulate Internet pharmacies and Web sites to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; and

Whereas, NABP, in its mission to assist the boards of pharmacy to protect the public health, developed the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program, a voluntary accreditation program that ensures Internet pharmacies are appropriately licensed and legitimately operating, and partnered with federal agencies, consumer groups, and other interested stakeholders to educate the public regarding the risks of purchasing from rogue Internet pharmacies and Web sites and the value of the VIPPS program in these efforts;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NABP continue to collaborate with federal agencies and other interested stakeholders to educate the public and health care professionals of the dangers of acquiring drugs illegally through the Internet and from foreign sources.

(Resolution passed at the NABP 103rd Annual Meeting, Portland, OR)