PCAB ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Accreditation Gives Compounding Pharmacies

Competitive Advantage

WASHINGTON, DC- The Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) is now accepting applications for accreditation from all compounding pharmacies. The initial class of nearly sixty pharmacies has begun the documentation process and the first in-pharmacy surveys are complete. Based on the successful inauguration of the accreditation program, PCAB is now inviting all compounding pharmacies to apply at www.pcab.info. PCAB accreditation is a voluntary program for compounding pharmacies which was founded and continues to be lead by the American College of Apothecaries, the American Pharmacists Association, the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, the National Home Infusion Association, and the United States Pharmacopeia.

As a part of the accreditation process, PCAB will provide accredited pharmacies with advertising and marketing material designed to provide an advantage in a very competitive field.

Ken Baker, PCAB Executive Director, noted several advantages that can be gained by pharmacies that become PCAB Accredited™ compounding pharmacies. “Accreditation will not only provide assurance to patients and prescribers that this pharmacy has been tested against very strict quality and safety standards, but it will also identify it as one of the preeminent compounding pharmacies.”, Baker adds, “A compounding pharmacy now has a way of proving its adherence to high standards, not only patients and physicians, but also to insurance companies and regulators.”

With so many sensationalized stories concerning compounding being highlighted in the news, accreditation provides a positive, quality based message to patients, prescribers and the public. PCAB believes accreditation has other benefits. By answering payors demands for proof from pharmacies that they are following quality standards, PCAB believes that accreditation will lead to an increase in the number of insurance companies willing to write policies for

compounding pharmacies. “Accreditation should also help hold the line on insurance premiums for accredited compounders,” says Baker. “Insurers understand that adherence to strict quality standards helps minimize errors and risks which leads to fewer liability claims.”

“Compounding is a critical component of the healthcare industry.” said PCAB Board President John A. Gans, PharmD., “because ultimately, PCAB accreditation is for the patient.” Dr. Gans, who holds the dual role of being APhA Executive Vice President, added that pharmacists must ensure that the process is driven and controlled by the profession. He believes that this will improve pharmacy practices and thereby improve patient care.