All Dispensing Pharmacies Eligible to Request .Pharmacy Domain Names Beginning April 1, 2015

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., March 25, 2015 /CNW/ -- The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy^® (NABP^®) will begin accepting applications for .pharmacy domain names from all dispensing pharmacies beginning April 1, 2015. Since the .Pharmacy Top-Level Domain (TLD) Program was launched in 2014, the Association has approved about 275 .pharmacy domain names applied for or requested during prior limited registration periods. NABP launched the .pharmacy TLD to provide consumers around the world a means for easily identifying safe and legal online pharmacies and related resources.

The dispensing pharmacy limited registration period is the last limited application phase. Applications from dispensing pharmacies will be accepted through April 30, and approved pharmacies may begin to register their requested .pharmacy domains as early as that date. General availability, when any entity with a  pharmacy or pharmacy-related website may apply and, if approved, register for a .pharmacy domain name, will begin on June 3, 2015.

Except for those already Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites^® (VIPPS^®) or Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites^® (Vet-VIPPS^®) accredited or NABP e-Advertiser-approved, entities seeking a .pharmacy domain name must first submit an application, supporting documentation, and an application fee to NABP. NABP will evaluate these materials to ensure compliance with program standards. Note that, as part of the application process, the content of the proposed website must be available for review by NABP. NABP is establishing a network of international regulatory groups to facilitate evaluation of international domain name applications. Once approved, applicants will be able to register the domain name through an approved registrar.

Of the tens of thousands of sites selling prescription drugs online, NABP has reviewed over 10,900 and found that nearly 97% do not follow pharmacy laws and standards established to protect the public health. NABP will grant use of the .pharmacy domain only to legitimate website operators that adhere to pharmacy laws in the jurisdictions in which they are based and in which their patients and customers reside, so that consumers can easily find safe online pharmacies.

Additional information about the .Pharmacy TLD Program, as well as information about buying medicine safely online is available at www.safe.pharmacy.

NABP is the independent, international, and impartial Association that assists its state member boards and jurisdictions for the purpose of protecting the public health.

SOURCE National Association of Boards of Pharmacy

Deborah Zak, Communications Manager, 847/391-4405; [email protected], http://www.nabp.net