The pharmacy landscape is evolving faster than ever, and that includes the regulatory environment. From new business models to embracing new technologies like AI, shifting regulatory requirements are resulting in updated accreditation standards and practices. During the Asembia AXS26 Summit business session Seeing Around the Corner – Industry Trends and Accreditation. What’s Next?, Duann V. Thistlethwaite, RPh, BCNP, FAPhA, NABP Compliance Manager, Pharmacy Programs, offered insights into how recent changes are reshaping pharmacy practice and what organizations can do to stay ahead. Here’s a look at some of the key questions and answers from that conversation.
Q: How are emerging industry trends impacting the types of accreditations available?
When developing the NABP accreditation programs and inspection services, we carefully weigh industry needs, customer interests, and what our organization can provide to protect public health and the integrity of the supply chain.
As pharmacy business models increasingly shift toward nationwide shipping and new pharmacies seek licensure across multiple states, our Verified Pharmacy Program (VPP) inspection helps to satisfy several state licensure requirements through a single inspection. It also serves as the prerequisite for our Compounding Pharmacy Accreditation.
Major credit card providers such as VISA and Mastercard have created requirements for pharmacy verification; we designed our Healthcare Merchant Accreditation to meet those needs and protect the public. Additionally, as enforcement of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) continues to evolve, Pulse by NABP offers dispensers a practical solution to assist dispensers’ efforts to meet their DSCSA compliance requirements.
Q: How is technology, including AI, shaping pharmacy practice?
In our blog on AI in pharmacy, we discuss how AI could be used under pharmacist oversight to enhance patient safety and tackle administrative tasks that often take up hours of a pharmacist’s time. We also discuss how AI can offer an opportunity to combat pharmacist burnout and ease work-related stress.
Along with its benefits, we raised potential concerns surrounding the use of AI in pharmacy, including the possibility for overreliance on AI. It will be very important to maintain pharmacist oversight in the practice of pharmacy to protect patient safety. This includes pharmacist oversight in the development of pharmacy policies and procedures, personnel training, the creation of patient checklists and questionnaires for monitoring patient compliance with drug therapy and adverse effects, and more.
The rapid emergence and adoption of new technologies like AI continues to transform the health care industry. The Research and Innovation Institute, a key resource for stakeholder information, is designed to provide data-driven insights that can help guide regulatory decisions and assist stakeholders in navigating the constantly changing landscape of pharmacy practice. The goal of the Institute centers on collaboration, bringing together regulators, industry leaders, and academic institutions to address some of the most pressing challenges and technological advancements in health care, including those in pharmacy practice and regulation.
If you are interested in getting involved in the Research and Innovation Institute, you can submit your interest on our website.
Q: How are recent CMS changes to DMEPOS requirements impacting the accreditation survey process?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently implemented revised final rules and definitions that all accrediting organizations for the CMS DMEPOS program must follow. CMS has tightened oversight of accrediting organizations to ensure standardized compliance to help ensure that Medicare patients receive uniform quality care, and combat Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA).
The biggest change we anticipate regarding the DMEPOS Pharmacy Accreditation survey process is the move to annual site surveys. For DMEPOS suppliers and pharmacies who were accredited prior to January 1, 2026, the annual resurvey and reaccreditation cycle will not begin until the expiration of their current 3-year accreditation cycle, if issued prior to the final rule’s effective date. This means that not all DMEPOS-accredited businesses will need to conduct the annual survey in 2026 (and for some, their next DMEPOS survey may not occur until 2028).
As a CMS-deemed DMEPOS Accrediting Organization, NABP is committed to adhering to CMS requirements, and we are also committed to providing the best possible experience for our DMEPOS customers. Our updated DMEPOS program, following CMS’s reapproval, will help customers navigate the changes and annual surveys, along with significantly reducing the application and preparation time.
The DMEPOS survey itself will continue to be unannounced as required by CMS. Applicants will receive NABP’s self-assessment materials to prepare for the survey, such as the policy and procedure assessment tool. New DMEPOS tools are being developed for our customers to assist in their preparation for the new annual survey and reaccreditation requirement. As these become available, we will share them with our customers.
Q: How can pharmacy programs remain compliant with accreditation standards and rapid changes to practice?
Achieving and maintaining accreditation is a team effort for all pharmacy personnel, especially with today’s standards. Every staff member should understand and embrace accreditation standards as part of their daily responsibilities, with a shared commitment to ongoing compliance and operational excellence. In times of rapid change, it is imperative for pharmacies to meet and exceed the fundamental areas of quality and safety by committing to ongoing compliance of standards.
Our expert surveyors are there to assess adherence to required standards and help pharmacies proactively identify and address any deficiencies. Learn more about how NABP’s accreditation programs can help enhance your business.
This blog post has been adapted from NABP’s presentation at the Asembia AXS26 Summit business session, Seeing Around the Corner – Industry Trends and Accreditation. What’s Next?