National Association of Boards of Pharmacy

National Association of Boards of Pharmacy

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) is a professional organization that represents the state boards of pharmacy in the United States. It was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Mount Prospect, Illinois. The NABP's mission is to protect public health by assisting its member boards in developing, implementing, and enforcing uniform standards for the practice of pharmacy.

History

The NABP was established in response to the need for a centralized organization to coordinate the efforts of state boards of pharmacy. Prior to its formation, each state had its own board of pharmacy, which operated independently. This lack of coordination led to inconsistencies in pharmacy practice standards and regulations across the country.

In 1904, representatives from several state boards of pharmacy came together to form the NABP. The organization's primary goal was to promote uniformity in pharmacy regulation and ensure the safety and welfare of the public. Over the years, the NABP has played a crucial role in shaping the pharmacy profession in the United States.

Functions and Services

The NABP provides a wide range of services to its member boards and the pharmacy community. Some of its key functions include:

1. **Licensure and Examination Services**: The NABP administers the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). These exams are used by state boards of pharmacy to assess the competency of pharmacists seeking licensure.

2. **Accreditation Programs**: The NABP operates accreditation programs for pharmacy technician training programs and non-US pharmacy graduate certification programs. These programs ensure that pharmacy technicians and foreign-educated pharmacists meet the necessary standards for practice.

3. **Pharmacy Practice Resources**: The NABP provides resources and guidelines to help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians stay updated on best practices and regulatory requirements. These resources include the Model State Pharmacy Act and Model Rules of the NABP.

4. **Drug Diversion Prevention**: The NABP works closely with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to combat drug diversion and the illegal distribution of prescription drugs. It provides tools and resources to help pharmacies and pharmacists prevent and detect drug diversion activities.

5. **Consumer Protection**: The NABP operates the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program, which certifies online pharmacies that meet high standards of pharmacy practice and patient safety. This program helps protect consumers from counterfeit and substandard medications.

Collaboration and Partnerships

The NABP collaborates with various organizations and stakeholders to advance its mission. It works closely with the National Council of State Boards of Pharmacy (NCSBP), which represents the state boards of pharmacy, to develop and implement uniform standards for pharmacy practice.

The NABP also partners with federal agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to address issues related to drug safety and regulation. Additionally, it collaborates with international pharmacy organizations to promote global standards for pharmacy practice.

Conclusion

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and integrity of the pharmacy profession in the United States. Through its various functions and services, it helps maintain uniform standards for pharmacy practice, protects consumers from counterfeit medications, and prevents drug diversion. The NABP's commitment to public health and its collaborative efforts with other organizations make it an essential entity in the field of pharmacy regulation.

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