HOW TO
Application; Submission Process; Managing your Reference Documents; and the Self-Analysis Format

Applying for PCAB(TM) Accreditation (total time - approximately 15 minutes)
Jump to How to Upload documents section

1. When you click on "Apply" at www.pcab.info, you will be asked to enter a username and password. After you confirm your general information, click "Submit".
   
2. You must then agree to the use of an electronic "signature" or submit a signed application for an attritional charge. Click "Continue"
   
3. You will then be asked if your pharmacy will agree to PCAB Rules & Terms and Principles of Compounding. The pharmacy must agree in order to continue with accreditation.
   
4. You will then be asked to enter information regarding the pharmacy, pharmacist-in-charge and the company/corporate business.
   
5. Entering your scope of practice information calculates the pharmacy's annual fee. "The fee is non-refundable and fully earned when submitted."
   
6. You can choose to pay the annual fee by credit card or mail a check.
   
7. After confirming your information, you can submit your application.
   
8. PCAB will review the application. If found complete, within one or two business days, you will be able to LOGIN using your username and password and begin the submission process by completing your "Self-Analysis" form on line.

You are now ready to begin the Submission Process. (total time - up to you)
You may take as much or as little time as you need. (The shortest, so far has been three days.)
click for images and printable version (PDF) of Submission Process

1. LOGIN using your username and password and begin the submission process by completing your "Self-Analysis" form on line.
   
2. Click on: NEXT STEP: Complete Self-Analysis Form (you may find it useful to view or printout the images and printable version (PDF) of Submission Process.
   
3. Begin by completing the pharmacy Profile and Major Investors information by clicking on each of these. Note, this information is confidential (refer to privacy policy and confidentiality statement in the PCAB Rules). This information is necessary to allow our surveyors to know what to expect and gives information about the business overall. After completing this information and returning to the Self-Analysis Form [Save and Complete], you will note a green check mark appears on all completed items.
   
4. Now is the time to gather and upload all documents you will be referring to as proof that your pharmacy's procedures meet the PCAB Standards. Click on Manage Reference Documents.
   
5. On the Manage Reference Documents page, click Upload Documents . Answer Yes to the Security Information question, if one is shown on your computer. If you encounter a problem, refer to Question: What if I can't upload my documentation to the system? below6 On your computer open a window (from My Documents, My Computer or Windows Explorer - not from the Upload Screen) containing your SOPs or Policies or Procedures or other information you will be submitting with your Self Analysis Form.
   
   
6. From your PC window, drag and drop to the open Internet window for the upload (see image below). You can add more later, if necessary. When finished click on Click here when file transferring is complete . IMPORTANT - DO NOT INTERRUPT THE UPLOAD PROCESS ONCE YOU HAVE STARTED.
   
7. Complete the rest of the Form. Note you can review the Compliance Indicators for each Standards. Where required on the Form, you will connect a document with page number the answer by opening the drop-down box and clicking on the referenced document on the upload page. Note the page you refer to is where this proof is located. Always put in a page number, even if the document is only one page. Add more documents if needed by returning to the Manage Reference Documents page.

8. Answer Standard 10 last. Standard 10 requires that the pharmacy perform a "Self - Assessment". By the time you get here, you have done that. The submission form is your Self - Assessment. A person with the appropriate authority must read, agree and sign the Statement of Compliance. Remember, all items and standards must be completed.

Question: What if I can't upload my documentation to the system?

Answer: If you cannot upload your reference documents to the system:
A. You may be trying to upload from the my documents window in the upload screen. You must open a new window directly from your computer. See the note above.

B. If you still can not upload, your computer probably has a firewall preventing outgoing communication with an FTP site. Try reconfiguring or temporarily disabling your firewall [be sure to enable the firewall when finished]. Then, try the upload again. If you still can not transfer (upload) your documents to the upload reference documents page, put them on a disk and mail them to PCAB's Webmaster:

Amberwaves Communications
Attn: PCAB Upload
105 S. Dodge St.
Algona, IA 50511

PCAB will upload them into the system. Be sure to list on a note inside the package or on the label of the disk the pharmacy's name, address, contact e-mail address and phone number along with information for at least one contact person. When your documents have been uploaded to your pharmacy's Manage Documents Page , you will be notified by e-mail. Please allow up to 7 business days. You may then begin using the Self Analysis Form.

Please do not give up - call or e-mail PCAB. We will find a way to help.