PPS-N uses the assignment of roles to grant access to the system. Roles are associated with VistA security keys (a set of permissions) and are assigned to a user based on the access needed by the user. After the appropriate role is determined, the corresponding key is assigned to the user's account in VistA. See the list below for details on role names with associated VistA security keys and a description of the tasks each role can perform.
Because the user provisioning process is part of the VistA system, provisioning is not documented here. Password changes, account activation/inactivation, and similar tasks must be performed in the VistA system. Refer to the appropriate documentation for details on User Account Management.
National Viewer (PSS_PPSN_VIEWER)
This role is designed for a user who needs access to PPS-N to view drugs and their attributes. This user can:
Search for and view drug details but cannot modify drugs nor add new drugs to the system
Use advanced search and create personal search template
Search the COTS drug information database, presently First Databank (FDB)
Submit a change request for a drug
View all the data screens in PPS-N (not migration)
View and create reports
This role is the default role assigned to all users when VistA access is granted.
National Second Approver (PSS_PPSN_ SECOND_APPROVER)
This role includes all the functionality of a National Viewer. This role allows a user to:
Provide a second approval on items that are in the Pending second approval state
Search for all requests, and select and view any request
Approve or disapprove requests that the National Managers marked as available for second approval. The Request Status column includes the status Pending Second Approval.
This role is assigned on the User Roles tab.
National Manager (PSS_PPSN_ MANAGER)
This role controls the normal processing of drug items. This role includes all the functionality of the National Second Approver. In addition, users assigned this role can:
Add, edit, and approve all items such as products and NDCs, the National Council for Pharmacy Drug Programs (NCPDPs)
Add, edit, and approve new domains such as generic names, ingredients, and so forth
Search for new items in FDB and add them to PPS-N
Add, edit, and save partially modified items
This role is assigned on the User Roles tab.
2nd National Manager (PSS_PPSN_ MANAGER)
This role controls the normal processing of drug items. This role includes all the functionality of the National Second Approver and a National Manager. In addition, users assigned this role can:
Add, edit, and approve all items such as products and NDCs, the National Council for Pharmacy Drug Programs (NCPDPs)
Add, edit, and approve new domains such as generic names, ingredients, and so forth
Search for new items in FDB and add them to PPS-N
Add, edit, and save partially modified items
Approve or disapprove requests that the National Managers marked as available for second approval. (The Request Status column includes the status Pending Second Approval.)
This role is not shown on the User Roles tab. Role access is derived by grating permissions for both the National Second Approver and National Manager roles to the user.
National Supervisor (PSS_PPSN_ SUPERVISOR)
This role includes all of the permissions of a National Manager. In addition, the role provides users with the ability to:
Configure the auto-update processes from Standards and Terminology Service (STS) and FSS or to manually start the processes
Control the sending of sync messages to VistA
Create system-level advanced search templates and delete templates
Delete partially saved items that other users have created
The Manage Application tab appears only for users with this role assigned. This role is assigned on the User Roles tab.
National Migrator User (PPS_PPSN_MIGRATOR)
This role includes all the permissions of the National Viewer. In addition, this role provides users with the ability to perform all migration tasks.
The Migration tab appears only for users with this role assigned. This role is assigned on the User Roles tab.