Three Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for VAWD Accreditation

 Posted on July 16, 2026 in PBM Pharmacy Audits

Applying for VAWD accreditation can be challenging. VAWD stands for Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributors, which was the former name of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy's accreditation program for drug distributors. In 2020, NABP renamed VAWD as Drug Distributor Accreditation. Although the old VAWD name is still sometimes used when referring to the program, Drug Distributor Accreditation is the current name.

Getting the accreditation process wrong can mean delays or other problems that hurt your business. If you are going through the Drug Distributor Accreditation process in 2026, our East St. Louis, IL professional license defense lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes.

What Is NABP Drug Distributor Accreditation?

NABP Drug Distributor Accreditation verifies that accredited facilities operate legitimately, maintain required licenses in good standing, and follow standards for securely storing, handling, and shipping prescription drugs and devices. The accreditation lasts for three years.

Under 21 U.S.C. § 360eee-1, the Drug Supply Chain Security Act requires wholesale distributors to meet federal requirements involving drug tracing, authorized trading partners, record keeping, and verification of certain prescription drugs.

What Mistakes Can Hurt a Drug Distributor Accreditation Application?

Applicants must meet NABP's eligibility requirements and comply with the program's criteria throughout the accreditation process. Problems with an application, policies and procedures, or the required inspection can interfere with that process.

Mistake One: Submitting an Incomplete or Inaccurate Application

An incomplete or inaccurate application can create problems during the accreditation process. The application requires detailed information about your business, facility, personnel, policies, and licenses.

Inaccurate information is especially risky because NABP evaluates whether applicants satisfy its licensing and other accreditation criteria. Even an honest mistake can create questions about whether the facility meets program requirements.

Before you submit, check every section carefully. Make sure your licenses are current. Confirm that license numbers, addresses, ownership information, and other important details match the records maintained by the appropriate agencies.

Mistake Two: Not Having Strong Policies and Procedures

Having the right licenses is not enough. Applicants must maintain, enforce, and follow written policies and procedures that satisfy NABP's Drug Distributor Accreditation criteria. Problems can arise when policies are missing, outdated, or do not reflect what actually happens at the facility.

Depending on the distributor's operations, policies and procedures may need to address areas such as:

• Receiving, storing, shipping, and distributing pharmaceutical products

• Handling returns, recalls, and withdrawn products

• Personnel qualifications and training

• Facility security

• Maintaining required records

• Authentication and verification of products and trading partners

Under the Illinois Wholesale Drug Distribution Licensing Act, 225 ILCS 120/, wholesale drug distributors in Illinois are subject to state licensing, inspection, and record-keeping requirements. Illinois regulations also establish requirements for the storage and handling of prescription drugs and maintenance of distribution records. Your policies should reflect the state and federal requirements that apply to your operation.

Having policies on paper that do not match your actual practices can also create problems during the accreditation process.

Mistake Three: Failing to Prepare for the Required Supply Chain Inspection

Under NABP's current process, applicants must complete a Supply Chain Inspection before applying for Drug Distributor Accreditation. The inspection must have been completed within the previous 12 months, and the facility must receive a Drug Distributor Accreditation eligibility letter before it can apply.

The inspection examines whether the facility complies with applicable requirements. Applicants should therefore prepare their facility, records, and personnel before the inspection rather than treating it as a formality.

Walk through your facility beforehand and look for potential compliance problems. Organize your records so they are easy to access. Review your policies and procedures and make sure your actual operations follow them. Your staff should also understand the procedures that apply to their responsibilities.

What Can You Do if You Have Problems With Drug Distributor Accreditation?

Problems during the inspection or accreditation process do not necessarily mean that a business has no path forward. NABP uses the Supply Chain Inspection report and submitted documentation to determine whether a facility is eligible to apply for Drug Distributor Accreditation. Applicants should carefully review any identified areas of noncompliance and determine what must be corrected.

Working through regulatory or accreditation problems can be complicated. An attorney with experience in pharmaceutical regulation can review the issues affecting your facility and help you determine what steps may be available.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Peoria, IL VAWD Compliance Attorney

Attorney Joseph Bogdan is both a registered pharmacist and an attorney with over 20 years of experience. He also serves as an expert witness in pharmaceutical cases, including cases involving controlled substances. That combination of professional and legal knowledge gives him a unique ability to guide wholesale distributors through the accreditation process and defend their licenses when issues arise.

Contact The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. at 630-310-1267 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced East St. Louis, IL professional license defense lawyer today.