What does VIPPS stand for in relation to pharmacy practices?

VIPPS stands for Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites. This designation is crucial as it provides a way to identify online pharmacies that meet specific safety and regulatory standards. The VIPPS program is administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), aiming to ensure that consumers can find legitimate online pharmacies that abide by applicable laws and practices.

The authentication through VIPPS helps to protect consumers from fraudulent sites that may sell prescription medications without proper oversight or regulations. By looking for the VIPPS seal, patients can be more confident that the online pharmacy they are using is compliant with the necessary pharmacy practices and legal requirements.

Understanding this is essential for anyone involved in pharmacy to assure patient safety when accessing medications online.