Drug Supply Chain Security Act Archives

What is an Authorized Trading Partner in DSCSA?

January 19, 2023

By now, you should be familiar with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). It has been with us since 2013 and has, for the most part, already been in effect for pharmacies since 2015. And now we have the “last” phase of the law, Electronic Drug Distribution Security (EDDS) (see our Electronic Drug Distribution Security System Blog for information about EDDS), becoming effective on 11/24/2023. So in the next few blogs, I want to discuss some of the key…

5 Myths About Pharmacy DSCSA Compliance

December 30, 2022

The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) is a federal law that was enacted in 2013 to protect the public from counterfeit, contaminated, and other potentially dangerous drugs in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The DSCSA requires pharmaceutical companies to implement enhanced security measures and traceability systems to ensure the authenticity and safety of prescription drugs. As part of this effort, the law requires Pharmacies or dispensers, as Pharmacies are referred to under DSCSA, to comply with certain requirements. Unfortunately, there…

Comprehensive Safe Medication Practices

November 21, 2022

Quick blog this time. Over the past several years, we have seen more and more requests from our pharmacy members looking for “Comprehensive Safe Medications Practices” or “Medication Safety Practices.” These requests are typically arising during the credentialing process with PBMs. In general, the PBMs are looking for how you ensure the medication you are dispensing is “safe” for the patient. Ultimately safe medication practices start before you even order the medication from the wholesaler/manufacturer and end at the point…

Enhanced Drug Distribution Security System

September 15, 2022

In the last blog, we discussed the Drug Supply Chain Security Act. Today we want to discuss the change that is effective on 11/27/2023, the Enhanced Drug Distribution Security (EDDS). We will review what is in place today and how that will change as part of EDDS. Where we are today concerning the EDDS Today, you order your prescription drugs from an authorized trading partner (ATP). The ATP will send you transaction data before or at delivery. This data includes…

Drug Supply Chain Security Act in Pharmacy: Today and Tomorrow

June 22, 2022

The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) has been with us for almost nine years as part of the FDA’s Plan to protect the U.S. drug supply chain. The culmination of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act will reach its final implementation goal in November 2023. On 11/27/2023, all trading partners (Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Dispensers (including Pharmacies) will need to begin using an “Enhanced Drug Distribution Security System.” However, before we talk about that, let’s talk about what you need…