Wholesale Distributor of Prescription Drugs

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License Information

Per Wisconsin State Statutes 440.08 (2), the required renewal date for the Wholesale Distributor of Prescription Drugs credential is 05/31/even years.  Should you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to this date, you are still required to renew your license by the statutorily defined date.


Requirements for Licensure

  • A distributor's license authorizes a facility to sell prescription drugs or devices to pharmacists, pharmacies, researchers, hospitals, authorized agents of the federal government and other distributors.  A distributor's license does not authorize a facility to dispense prescription drugs directly to patients pursuant to a prescriber's prescription order.  Dispensing directly to patients under a prescription order requires a pharmacy license.
  • Out-of-state or in-state wholesale distributors of prescription drugs are required to obtain a distributor's license in Wisconsin for each facility from which the prescription drugs are distributed.
  • Submit Wholesale Distributor of Prescription Drugs Application (see below), including required documentation and fee(s). 


Application Process

  • A designated representative must be identified on the application.
  • All designated representatives must be fingerprinted as described in the application materials.
  • All distributors are required to submit a surety bond (Form #2819) or irrevocable letter of credit (Form #2824) with the application in the amount of $5,000.
  • Meet Inspection Requirements (see below).
  • Distributors must comply with any applicable federal track and trace pedigree system.
  • Register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (if applicable).
  • Determination to grant credential.


Prescription Medical Device Distributors

No longer need a wholesale distributor of prescription drug license to ship medical device products into Wisconsin.  Print this web page for your records verifying no license is needed.


Prescription Medical Device or Drug Manufacturers

  • Need to hold a WI Drug or Device Manufacturer license only if your facility is physically located in the state of WI.  Print this web page for your records verifying no license is needed.
  • No longer need to hold the Wholesale Distributor of Prescription Drug license.  Print this web page for your records verifying no license is needed.
  • Manufacturers must maintain a list of distributors of record and update the list monthly. 


Inspection Requirements

  • Whole sale distributors are advised that they must have an inspection completed before the application is filed. 
  • An approved inspection must be completed and passed within three years prior to the application date.

Approved Inspections Include:

  • National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Drug Distributor Accreditation (DDA).  Go to:  http://www.nabp.net or call the NABP at (847) 391-4406.
  • Inspections completed by another State Board of Pharmacy.
  • Inspections completed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (for facilities physically located in Wisconsin only).
  • For wholesale distributors of prescription drugs physically located in Wisconsin, inspection requests of the ​Department of Safety and Professional Services should be submitted as soon as possible to allow time to plan for an inspection.
  • Completion of inspections will depend on when the inspection request is received, availability of Department staff, and the Department’s inspection schedule. Department staff will contact you to schedule an inspection. If you have questions regarding inspections, please ​contact the Credentialing Department at (608) 266-2112 or email DSPSCREDPharmacy@wisconsin.gov. Please note that we do not conduct inspections of currently licensed Wisconsin facilities in order for that facility to obtain out-of-state licensure. 
  • Other inspections approved by the Board.
  • Distributors must comply with any applicable federal tract and trace pedigree system after July 1, 2011, unless an earlier federal law is mandated and supersedes state law (emergency rule pending).

Note:  Distributors may experience delays in completing inspections by the deadline date.  Within 45 days of filing for renewal of an existing license or filing an application for original licensure, a distributor must submit proof to the Department that an approved inspection has been scheduled or the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Drug Distribution Accreditation process has been initiated.  Failure to timely provide notification to the Department may result in the distributor being required to discontinue doing business in Wisconsin pending completion of the credentialing process.


Application for Licensure

FormDescription
2814Information for Wholesale Distributor of Prescription Drugs License Application​
May not conduct business in WI until the new application and all required documents have been approved.
​3217

Application for Fee Reduction (This form must accompany the application for the credential)

2812Designated Representative Form
This form is required.
​2687​Authorization for Release of FBI Information Form
This form is required for all Designated Representatives, including those with NAPB Drug Distributor Accreditation (DDA).
​2819​Bond of Prescription Drug Wholesale Distributor Form
This form must be used. There are no exceptions or modifications to this form that will be approved.
​2824​Irrevocable Letter of Credit of Prescription Drug Wholesale Distributor Form
This form must be used. There are no exceptions or modifications to this form that will be approved.
​3086
​Application for Predetermination (Optional-Submit only if you have been convicted of any felony, misdemeanor, or other violations of federal, state, or local law, including municipal ordinances, in this state or any other and you desire a review of your conviction record before applying for a credential.)
2254
​Convictions and Pending Charges, if applicable

Profession Forms

FormDescription
​2822​Change in Designated Representative for Wholesale Distributor of Prescription Drugs
Whenever a change occurs, complete and return this form along with Forms #2687 and 2812.
2691Division of Enforcement Supplemental DEA Form for Reporting of Theft or Loss of Controlled Substances

Renewal Information

Requirements

  • FEE (See Renewal Dates and Fees)

Renewal Method

FormDescription
RDAFRenewal Dates and Fees