Volunteer Inspectors Sought for VIPPS Program

NABP's Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites™ (VIPPS™) program continues to grow, and with it the need for volunteer, part-time site inspectors. Therefore, NABP is conducting a VIPPS inspector information/training seminar from 9 AM until noon on Saturday, May 6 during its 96th Annual Meeting, in Nashville, Tenn.

"The VIPPS Inspector Training Program is designed to orient and familiarize state pharmacy inspectors with the role of inspectors in the VIPPS program," says Dyke F. Anderson, NABP president. "The seminar will prepare inspectors to review pharmacy Web sites, review documentation submitted by online pharmacies, and perform on-site inspections."

NABP plans to add between eight and 10 VIPPS inspectors in 2000. Each inspector will participate in approximately three inspections per year in order to maintain their knowledge of VIPPS requirements, says Glenn Detweiler, NABP licensure, applications, and database management director.

VIPPS inspectors analyze documentation and perform on-site evaluations of Internet-based pharmacies in order to determine if online pharmacy applicants qualify for VIPPS certification. After attending the VIPPS seminar at the Annual Meeting, inspectors will be ready for the second phase of training, which consists of observing experienced VIPPS inspectors during on-site visits. Subsequent education will be provided through periodic conference calls with NABP and other VIPPS inspectors.

Detweiler explains that VIPPS inspections reinforce state requirements but focus on the VIPPS program criteria, which look at areas that require strengthening or are unique to the Internet practice of pharmacy.

The first step in a VIPPS inspection is gathering and analyzing the pharmacy's documentation. At this time, it also is determined whether the pharmacy is appropriately licensed for each state in which it wants to practice pharmacy.

During the on-site review, inspectors review the most recent state inspection report on the Internet pharmacy's facilities in order to confirm that any deficiencies cited have been resolved.

The documentation review portion of the VIPPS application process involves a team of three to four reviewers. The reviewers' comments and recommendations are summarized for the VIPPS certification applicant. Information from the on-site inspection also is reviewed and summarized for the applicant.

Those thinking seriously about becoming a VIPPS inspector must have access to a computer and the Internet in order to perform Web site reviews and to exchange e-mail reports with other VIPPS staff. Other requirements include a pharmacy degree or law enforcement background, and experience as a state inspector.

"VIPPS inspections include a consultation with the online pharmacy to discuss improvement that can be made or solutions to any problems that may prevent the company from meeting the 17-point criteria required for certification," explains Detweiler. The inspections do not affect the Internet pharmacy's licensure. Internet pharmacies present different challenges for VIPPS inspectors. There are many different types of business models to inspect and a number of ways to meet the intent of the VIPPS criteria.

"We knew that for VIPPS to be credible, on-site inspections would be needed," Anderson says. "Our first thought was to look towards the expertise of our state boards' inspection programs. We thank the state boards of pharmacy and executive directors for their encouragement and support of the VIPPS program."

The current agenda of the Saturday seminar includes:

• an overview of VIPPS and the certification process;
• detailed criteria discussions;
• how to properly write VIPPS reports;
• break-out group work on case studies and a follow-up summary discussion;
• the role of VIPPS inspections and the responsibilities of inspectors while on-site; and
• a virtual tour of an online pharmacy by a representative from a VIPPS-certified pharmacy who will talk about VIPPS from the applicant's point of view.

"The seminar is a great experience for inspectors even if they choose not to act as a VIPPS inspector," Anderson notes. "It is an excellent way to discuss the unique challenges of practicing pharmacy on the Internet." Continuing education credits are available for attending the seminar at the Annual Meeting.

VIPPS is a voluntary program designed to certify the participating online pharmacy's ability to dispense pharmaceuticals to the public.

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