The VIPPS accreditation process begins when the applicant submits a VIPPS application form with application fees to NABP. (See Application Instructions)

• Upon receipt of the application form and supporting documentation, NABP staff will:
• Verify all necessary state pharmacy licenses are in good standing;
• Verify the pharmacist-in-charge licenses are in good standing;
• Evaluate the submitted supporting documents; and
• Notify the applicant if discrepancies arise or clarification is needed.
• After review of the documentation, staff schedules an on-site survey of the pharmacy to evaluate the applicant's operations, policies and staff for compliance with the VIPPS criteria.
  surveys may be required:
• Upon notice of a complaint against a VIPPS-accredited pharmacy.
• At the request of a participant in the course of VIPPS accreditation suspension action.
• Re-surveys of VIPPS-accredited pharmacies are required once every three years.
• Following review of the application materials, verification of submitted information and licensure, and survey, a written report will be sent to the pharmacy. If the review is satisfactory, a recommendation to award accreditation is submitted to NABP’s accreditation committee. Upon accreditation approval, a VIPPS Letter of Agreement to be signed by an authorized representative or agent of the entity will be sent to the pharmacy.
• Upon receipt of the executed Letter of Agreement and fee, NABP releases a code to the applicant which allows access to a secure area of the VIPPS Web site where the applicant may retrieve and download their VIPPS hyperlink Seal and carry out other administrative functions. Guidelines for the use of the Seal are included in the Letter of Agreement.
• The VIPPS accreditation is renewable annually following an update of the registration information and re-verification of licensure status.

VIPPS Accredited Pharmacies receive:

• NABP/VIPPS hyperlink Seal to display on their Web site. Focus group studies have demonstrated the Seal's power of reassurance to prospective Internet pharmacy users for a number of reasons.
• • To those trusting their health and life to an unknown entity on the Internet, the NABP Seal represents the comfort afforded by a hundred-year heritage of dedication to protecting the public health through assisting state boards of pharmacy regulating pharmacy practices.
  • The public can access comprehensive company information regarding each VIPPS pharmacy.
  • Patients appreciate the clear, understandable, and professionally reviewed requirements, which allows them to judge the merit of accreditation for themselves.
  • The accreditation requirements address their fears and concerns.
• Expanded Internet presence. NABP is committed to supply a network of connections from its Web site to government agencies. NABP is also working to establish referral links to its Web sites from not-for-profit organizations and other pharmacy-related web sites. Once in the VIPPS site, visitors may search the database for the Internet pharmacy of their choice.
• A comprehensive overview of their pharmacy operations and policies, with suggestions for improvements and streamlining of services.
• VIPPS Pharmacies also may benefit from access to NABP resources and expertise in licensure, professional credentialing, and regulatory compliance.