January 13, 2022
New NABP Verify Program to Launch in Second Quarter 2022
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) is pleased to announce that in the second quarter of 2022 it will launch a new program to support the existing and emerging license verification needs of its member boards of pharmacy. The NABP Verify program verifies that a pharmacist’s license(s) are in good standing. Once initially verified, the applicant’s license(s) are subject to ongoing monitoring by NABP to ensure that they remain in good standing. Program participants pay an annual fee for the verification and ongoing monitoring services.
NABP Verify is not an authorization to practice pharmacy. It is a credential issued by NABP based upon evidence of ongoing licensure in good standing determined via the NABP Verify monitoring service. The practice authorization will be defined by state statutes or regulations that can reference the NABP Verify program as a requirement to practice in the manner described by that state. Boards of pharmacy that wish to participate will sign a memorandum of understanding that specifies the responsibilities of NABP and the boards.
As boards of pharmacy look for new ways to regulate pharmacies and pharmacists who are playing an ever-increasing role in the health care system, the NABP Verify program can provide additional insight and oversight of out-of-state pharmacists practicing via an interstate practice model. This new program is meant to decrease administrative burdens while maintaining, and possibly increasing, patient safety through ongoing monitoring for discipline and licensure status.
The new program is based on the success of the NABP Emergency Passport program, which was launched in 2020 to support the boards of pharmacy in their effort to address the license verification requirement described in state emergency orders and the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act that were enacted as part of the response to the coronavirus disease 2019 public health emergency. The Passport program was successful in significantly reducing board of pharmacy workload and administrative burdens during these difficult times. It has also served to support boards in granting temporary licenses during disasters, such as hurricane responses.
An overview of the program is posted on the NABP website. If you have additional questions or are interested in how this program can be used in your state, please contact Bill Cover, Associate Executive Director, State Pharmacy Affairs, via phone at 847/391-4560 or via email at wcover@nabp.pharmacy.
NABP to Release Policy Statement on Workplace Safety and Well-Being
The issues of pharmacist workload, burnout, and well-being, and their effect on patient safety, have been considered for years, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought concerns related to these issues to the forefront. Recognizing this situation, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) has drafted a policy statement stating its support of efforts to improve pharmacist workplace safety and well-being. The statement is posted on the NABP website and will also be published across a variety of communication platforms next week.
Live Patient Safety Continuing Education Webinar Hosted by FDA’s Division of Drug Information for Students and Health Care Professionals
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) is pleased to announce that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) Division of Drug Information is presenting a series of live continuing education (CE) webinars designed to aid health care professionals and future clinicians to provide better patient care by knowing how to find relevant FDA regulatory information that will improve drug safety. The webinars are presented by FDA staff.
FDA Drug Topics: Biosimilar and Interchangeable Biosimilars:
Review of Scientific Concepts, Case Studies, and Resources
Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Time: 1 PM EDT | 10 AM PDT
Duration: 60 minutes
This webinar will provide an intermediate overview of the scientific and regulatory basis for the biosimilar and interchangeable biosimilar approval pathway. The webinar will explore the science of biological molecules, including size, complexity, and inherent variation, and discuss the use of these products, including labeling, terminology, and pharmacy substitution. Additionally, presenters will review case studies to highlight the data that can support biosimilarity and interchangeability. Finally, this webinar will demonstrate the functionality of resources available to health care professionals, such as the Purple Book Database.
After signing up for this webinar, registrants will receive a calendar invitation with details on how to join the online meeting. Instructions on how to claim CE credit and obtain a copy of the presentation slides will be emailed to participants the next business day after the webinar.
Please note that the webinar capacity is 1,500 participants; registration does not guarantee entry. Those who are unable to join the meeting may either view the webinar recording that will be posted online or participate in the home study CE course that will be available in a few weeks.
The FDA CDER is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the health care team.
NABP encourages you to forward this information to your staff and to health care professionals in your state. For more information and to learn about future webinars, please visit www.fda.gov/DDIWebinars.