NABP, NAPRA Finalize Position Statement to Work Together to Protect Citizens

May 22, 2003 12:00 AM

On May 4, 2003, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) announced the finalization of a position statement between the Association and the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) whereby NABP and NAPRA pledge to work together to protect the citizens that each are mandated to serve and to promote compliance with the federal, state, and provincial laws and standards of Canada and the United States, to ensure the safety and integrity of the prescribing drug supply in their respective jurisdictions.

Both associations share the common responsibilities in the regulation of the practice of pharmacists, ensuring public safety, and are committed to working together to advocate the ability and effectiveness of individual member organizations in executing their regulated mandates. Due to an immediate need to address the cross-border movement of prescription drugs, both associations signed an agreement stating in part that "illegal international movement of prescription drugs between Canada and the United States undermines the regulatory systems established in each country to protect consumers. . . ."

NABP is the independent, international, and impartial Association that assists its member boards and jurisdictions in developing, implementing, and enforcing uniform standards for the purpose "It is important for the American public to understand that there are numerous risks involved with purchasing prescription medications from countries other than where the patient lives including adverse reactions between other prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and/or nutritional supplements that could have been recognized had the patient gone to his or her regular pharmacist." warned NABP Executive Director/Secretary Carmen A. Catizone. "Another danger in the illegal purchasing of prescription medications lies in not fully knowing where the medications originated from, ie, these drugs bought via illegal methods could contain incorrect dosages, or be contaminated and/or counterfeit."

NABP is pleased to announce that Barbara A. Wells, executive director of NAPRA, and Carmen A. Catizone formally executed that agreement at NABP's 99th Annual Meeting, May 3-7, 2003, in Philadelphia, PA.

Catizone stated, "We [NABP and NAPRA] believe that due to the explosion of foreign prescription drug importation, it is imperative that we work closely with NAPRA and their provincial and territorial members to tackle the challenges pharmacy regulators face on both sides of the border and protect public safety."

Wells agreed and added, "This joint resolution signals our [both associations'] commitments to work together to support the ability and effectiveness of our member organizations in protecting the citizens each are mandated to serve . . . ."

NABP and NAPRA have worked closely with US Food and Drug Administration on this issue. For more information about the position statement, please contact NABP at 847/698-6227.

Courtney Karzen