How to Evaluate a Compounding Pharmacy Accreditor
Gain more than validation of USP compliance.
Why the accreditor you choose matters to your compounding practice
The right accreditor understands the complexity and risk associated with your operations and promotes a commitment to quality and safety.
Some commonly held beliefs about pharmacy accreditation can keep organizations from asking whether they’re getting the value they should expect:
Stronger quality and consistency across daily operations.
Stronger risk management.
Stronger support for staff competencies and skills.
Stronger commitment to a culture of continuous improvement.
Myth vs. Truth
Review the six assumptions below and consider your own experience based on the evaluation cues.
Myth
“Meeting USP requirements means our pharmacy does not need accreditation.”
Truth
Following applicable USP requirements is an essential part of compounding practice, but accreditation provides an independent evaluation of how policies, procedures, training, documentation, and quality practices work together across the organization. PCAB (Compounding Pharmacy) Accreditation helps pharmacies understand the what and the how, with an educational approach designed to improve compounding operations. ACHC is more than an accreditor; we’re a resource.
Myth
“All accrediting organizations (AOs) are essentially the same, they just check boxes.”
Truth
While standards may be similar, each AO has a unique approach to assessing compliance. ACHC prioritizes an education-driven approach, focusing on transparency in the requirements and consistency in the evaluation. We provide access to expertise and education throughout the term of accreditation. and long-term success rather than just checking boxes or looking for reasons to issue penalties.
Myth
“Accreditation is only valuable when it is required.”
Truth
A state or payor requirement may create the immediate need for accreditation, but its value can extend beyond satisfying an external mandate.
PCAB Accreditation can help a compounding pharmacy identify gaps, strengthen accountability, improve operational consistency, and demonstrate its commitment to quality to patients, prescribers, regulators, and business partners.
ACHC helps pharmacies use accreditation as a practical framework for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Myth
“Surveyors don't look beyond the standards.”
Truth
ACHC Surveyors bring years of specialized expertise, having faced and understood the real-world challenges compounding pharmacies encounter. From PEC to cold chain shipping, they have lived in the realities of the industry and are eager to share insights gained from visiting numerous pharmacies. This experience allows them to offer practical guidance on what works and what doesn't, ensuring evaluations are not only thorough but also helpful in improving your pharmacy’s operations.
Myth
“Preparing for accreditation disrupts the flow of business.”
Truth
Preparing for and maintaining accreditation requires commitment and discipline, but it doesn’t need to disrupt daily operations.
ACHC offers a range of resources including policies and procedures and compliance checklists that eliminate the burden of ramping up for a survey. This approach enables suppliers to maintain their focus on patient care while continuously improving their operations.
Myth
“Once we complete accreditation, there is little value in maintaining it.”
Truth
Initial accreditation is a milestone achievement, but compounding operations, staff responsibilities, services, and processes continue to evolve over time. Maintaining accreditation is evidence of an ongoing focus on quality.
PCAB Standards provide a consistent (and consistently updated) framework for evaluating whether established processes remain effective and whether the pharmacy remains current with the latest regulatory expectations.
Myth
“Meeting USP requirements means our pharmacy does not need accreditation.”
Evaluation cue: How does your team understand the what and how of USP requirements?
Truth
Following applicable USP requirements is an essential part of compounding practice, but accreditation provides an independent evaluation of how policies, procedures, training, documentation, and quality practices work together across the organization.
PCAB (Compounding Pharmacy) Accreditation helps pharmacies understand the what and the how, with an educational approach designed to improve compounding operations. ACHC is more than an accreditor; we’re a resource.
Myth
“All accrediting organizations (AOs) are essentially the same, they just check boxes.”
Evaluation cue: Does your team value every interaction with your AO?
Truth
While standards may be similar, each AO has a unique approach to assessing compliance. ACHC prioritizes an education-driven approach, focusing on transparency in the requirements and consistency in the evaluation. We provide access to expertise and education throughout the term of accreditation. and long-term success rather than just checking boxes or looking for reasons to issue penalties.
Myth
“Accreditation is only valuable when it is required.”
Evaluation cue: Can you point to external validation of your quality?
Truth
A state or payor requirement may create the immediate need for accreditation, but its value can extend beyond satisfying an external mandate.
PCAB Accreditation can help a compounding pharmacy identify gaps, strengthen accountability, improve operational consistency, and demonstrate its commitment to quality to patients, prescribers, regulators, and business partners.
ACHC helps pharmacies use accreditation as a practical framework for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Myth
“Surveyors don't look beyond the standards.”
Evaluation cue: Do your surveyors recommend process improvements?
Truth
ACHC Surveyors bring years of specialized expertise, having faced and understood the real-world challenges compounding pharmacies encounter. From PEC to cold chain shipping, they have lived in the realities of the industry and are eager to share insights gained from visiting numerous pharmacies. This experience allows them to offer practical guidance on what works and what doesn't, ensuring evaluations are not only thorough but also helpful in improving your pharmacy’s operations.
Myth
“Preparing for accreditation disrupts the flow of business.”
Evaluation cue: Does your team regularly look to your AO for expertise and education?
Truth
Preparing for and maintaining accreditation requires commitment and discipline, but it doesn’t need to disrupt daily operations.
ACHC offers a range of resources including policies and procedures and compliance checklists that eliminate the burden of ramping up for a survey. This approach enables suppliers to maintain their focus on patient care while continuously improving their operations.
Myth
“Once we complete accreditation, there is little value in maintaining it.”
Evaluation cue: Do you easily keep up with USP and evolving standards of practice?
Truth
Initial accreditation is a milestone achievement, but compounding operations, staff responsibilities, services, and processes continue to evolve over time. Maintaining accreditation is evidence of an ongoing focus on quality..
PCAB Standards provide a consistent (and consistently updated) framework for evaluating whether established processes remain effective and whether the pharmacy remains current with the latest regulatory expectations.
Read what compounding pharmacies have said about the experience and impact of ACHC.
“Really appreciate that my surveyor has vast experience in the field. His willingness to share his knowledge and expertise with us will allow us to continue to provide safe and effective compounding services to the patients in our community.”
–– Physicians Compounding Pharmacy
“Why I continue to work with ACHC is their approach to accreditation, the inspection process is truly a positive learning experience. My staff is always nervous during an inspection but upon completion they express a feeling of gratitude because they were treated with kindness and respect! This approach and our continued success maintaining the high standards of ACHC has made us a better pharmacy!”
–– PharmcareUSA
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