Receiving CPE credit to become easier with NABP e-profile IDs

More than 6,000 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have created profiles as part of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)’s new CPE Monitor program.

The continuing pharmacy education (CPE) tracking service stores data for completed CPE units received by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians from ACPE-accredited providers. The CPE tracking system will create a direct link for sending CPE data from ACPE-accredited providers to ACPE, and then to NABP, ensuring that all reported CPE units are officially verified by ACPE-accredited providers, according to NABP.

By late 2011 or early 2012, pharmacists and pharmacy techs will be able to simply provide their NABP e-Profile ID and date of birth, in order to receive credit for CPE activities, according to NABP. “Pharmacists don’t have to worry about reporting to the boards or going through audits. It should be more convenient and accurate, and reduce costs for everyone,” said Carmen Catizone, MS, RPh, executive director of the NABP.

Here is how the system works: Pharmacists must obtain a unique identification number from NABP when registering for a CPE activity, explained Arthur Wharton, RPh, MPA, director of continuing pharmacy education at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy in Gainesville, Fla. Pharmacists can obtain the number by logging on to www.nabp.net/, clicking on “Programs,” and then choosing “CPE Monitor”.

After they set up an e-Profile with NABP, pharmacists and pharmacy techs will receive a unique ID. Beginning in late 2011, they will provide their NABP e-Profile ID and date of birth to the ACPE-accredited provider when they register for CPE or submit a request for credit. The system directs electronic data from ACPE-accredited providers to ACPE and then to NABP, ensuring that CPE credit is officially verified by the providers. Pharmacists will also be able to log in to access information about their completed CPEs, Wharton said.

In early May, the NABP is starting a trial implementation period, and is encouraging providers to update their systems and send their information to NABP. “I am hoping the providers say it is a good idea, and will…come on board as quickly as possible,” Catizone said.