The General Pharmaceutical Council expects all online pharmacies to have systems in place to verify the identity of customers before supplying medication. Online pharmacies should have robust processes to carry out these checks, which may include using a trusted identity-checking solution like LexisNexis® IDU®.
If an online pharmacy works with an online prescribing service or prescriber, they should ensure that these services have robust processes in place to verify the identity of patients and ensure that medications are prescribed to the correct individuals. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and severe damage to brand reputation.
While many online pharmacies recognise the importance of advanced identity verification checks, striking a balance between compliance and customer experience remains a challenge. Traditional methods such as ID checks and complex verification processes can often lead to increased cart abandonment rates and unhappy customers.
To address these challenges, online pharmacies should consider implementing a robust identity verification solution like LexisNexis® IDU® that minimises friction whilst helping to ensure compliance. By adopting advanced technologies and streamlined processes, online pharmacies can help protect themselves from regulatory penalties, maintain their brand reputation, and ultimately boost sales.