ASOP and Federation of State Medical Boards Release Free Continuing Education Program for Pharmacists and Physicians

PRESS RELEASE

The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) announce the availability of a free online continuing education program (CME/CPE), entitled “Internet Drug Sellers: What Providers Need To Know” for pharmacists and physicians focused on the growing problem of illegal online drug sales. Recent studies found that nearly 97% of online drug sellers are operating illegally, and 1 in 2 websites selling medicine online peddle counterfeit drugs.

The CME/CPE is designed to educate providers about the dangers of purchasing pharmaceuticals online from an unverified source, and offer tools to help keep patients safe. This resource is being released at a time when consumers are increasingly using the Internet to buy goods and services. The convenience and potential savings of online drug markets lure consumers into buying medicines online, but all too often buyers are unaware of the personal health, financial, and fraud risks.

This free CME/CPE offers providers the information necessary to protect patients from illegal online drug sales.

“Doctors and pharmacists are the front line of defense for patient safety. ASOP is pleased to provide these tools so patients are less likely to be victimized online,” said Libby Baney, Executive Director of ASOP.

“Many people do not realize that obtaining drugs over the Internet can be dangerous.” said Dr. Humayun Chaudhry, President and CEO of FSMB. “We are very pleased to partner with the ASOP on this important initiative to protect patients by educating providers about the dangers of purchasing pharmaceuticals online from an unverified source.”

For more information about the CME/CPE, visit their website.

About ASOP

The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP) is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that seeks to protect patient safety globally and ensure patient access to safe and legitimate online pharmacies in accordance with applicable laws. ASOP has three categories of participation — Board Members, General Members, and Observers. ASOP believes illegal online drug sellers pose a serious threat to patient safety. All participants are committed to ASOP’s core principles and mission of protecting patient safety and ensuring patient access to safe and legitimate online pharmacies in accordance with all federal and state laws. For more information, visit http://safeonlinerx.com/.

About FSMB

The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) is a national non-profit organization representing all medical boards within the United States and its territories that license and discipline allopathic and osteopathic physicians and, in some jurisdictions, other health care professionals. It assists these state and territorial medical boards as they go about their mandate of protecting the public’s health, safety and welfare. The FSMB leads by promoting excellence in medical practice, licensure and regulation.