VIPPS™ Certification Process

The VIPPS™ certification process begins when we receive your VIPPS™ application form, background documents and application fees.  At the point of receipt NAPRA then:

• verifies the information provided,
• evaluates the submitted support documents,
• notifies you if discrepancies are identified or clarification is needed, and.
• schedules an on-site inspection of the pharmacy to assess the operations, policies and staff membes for compliance with the VIPPS™ criteria.

Following review and verification of the application materials and site inspection, a written report will be sent. If the review is satisfactory this report will include:

• a VIPPS™ Letter of Agreement to be signed by the pharmacy owner or designated responsible official, and
• an invoice for the first year’s participation fee.

After the Letter of Agreement is signed and the fee received, NAPRA will release a code to allow access to a secure area of the VIPPS™ Web site where you may retrieve and download the 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™ certification is renewable annually following an administrative update of the application information.
The entire process from initial application to awarding of the Seal should take about one month depending on scheduling, completeness of application and ability to demonstrate compliance with criteria.

VIPPS™ Certified Pharmacies receive:

1. Exclusive use of the VIPPS™ hyperlink Seal

Focus group studies in the US have demonstrated the Seal's power of reassurance to prospective pharmacy customers for a number of reasons. 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 certification for themselves.

The recognizable VIPPS™ certification program is the only pharmacy certification program in Canada and the US that offers the public protection assurance of Canada’s National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), the US National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and, their members – the provincial, territorial and state pharmacy regulatory boards whose mandate is public protection.

2. Expanded Internet presence.

NAPRA is committed to supply a network of connections from the VIPPS™ Web site to federal and provincial governments, consumer groups and public agencies. NAPRA is also working to establish referral links from not-for-profit organizations and other pharmacy-related websites. Once in the VIPPS™ site, visitors may search the database for the pharmacy of their choice, according to the range of services offered and/or geographical location.

3. Broad public exposure

The VIPPS™ website and accompanying promotions provide the public with instant access to independently verified and maintained information about the legitimacy of the pharmacy to which they are entrusting their family’s health and safety.