eDrugSearch.com Selects IMPAC(TM) as a Preferred Accrediting Organization for Online Pharmacies.

Internet Drug Database to Accept All IMPAC-Accredited Pharmacies for Membership

SAN ANTONIO -- eDrugSearch.com, the online resource for finding safe, low-cost prescription medications from licensed international pharmacies, today announced that it has selected IMPAC[TM] as a preferred

As part of the selection, eDrugSearch will accept all IMPAC-approved pharmacies for membership in its pharmacy database, which currently includes more than 20,000 medication listings. The eDrugSearch Web site -- now in open beta testing -- continues to expand its listings as it prepares for commercial launch later this month.

According to Cary Byrd, president and CEO of eDrugSearch.com, "As more individuals turn to online pharmacies to save money on their prescription medications, they continue to have concerns about the quality and safety of what they find on the Internet. Our relationship with IMPAC underscores our company's commitment to bringing together the world's most respected online pharmacies in a single, easy-to-use database."

Byrd continued: "We selected IMPAC because its standards and goals align with our mission to bring safe, high-quality medications to consumers. IMPAC is highly selective in accrediting pharmacies, and we are confident in recommending any IMPAC-approved pharmacy to consumers."

IMPAC's executive officer for operations, Dana Noble, R.N., M.B.A., said her organization's purpose is to make it easier for consumers to find reputable pharmacies online, and that eDrugSearch.com is an important new tool for consumers searching for medications online.

"IMPAC has a rigorous, comprehensive evaluation process that separates high-quality pharmacies from those that do not have excellent clinical and operational processes," Noble said. "Fully accredited pharmacies that have met IMPAC's standards increase consumer confidence regarding quality, as well as helping to validate and strengthen the industry. We are pleased that eDrugSearch has joined us in this purpose."

To earn IMPAC accreditation, an online pharmacy must be in full compliance with eight core standards and 91 required quality elements. The accreditation process includes pharmacy staff interviews, evaluation of pharmacy operations, inspection of the physical facility and critical review of documents, internal policies, and human resource files. IMPAC's comprehensive standards encompass quality assurance, pharmacy management, confidentiality, consumer safety, customer satisfaction, health information technology, Web site content, shipping and handling, and customer call center functions.