Question 25

Changes in a hospital drug formulary must be approved by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committee.

The Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committee is responsible for overseeing the hospital's drug formulary, ensuring that all changes align with clinical guidelines and patient safety standards.

A) Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committee

This option is correct because the P&T committee is tasked with reviewing and approving any modifications to the hospital's drug formulary. Their role includes assessing the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of medications, making them the appropriate authority for such decisions.

B) Drug Utilization Review (DUR) committee

While the DUR committee plays a significant role in monitoring and evaluating the prescribing, dispensing, and use of medications to promote appropriate use, it does not have the authority to approve changes to the formulary. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

C) Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)

The DEA regulates controlled substances and enforces the controlled substances laws and regulations, but it does not have a role in hospital formulary decisions. Consequently, this option is not correct for the question asked.

D) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA is responsible for the regulation of drugs and ensuring their safety and efficacy before they can be marketed. However, it does not directly involve itself in hospital-specific formulary changes, making this option incorrect.

Conclusion

The Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committee is the correct authority for approving changes in a hospital drug formulary due to its focused responsibility on medication management within the institution. In contrast, the other options either lack the authority or relevance to the specific question of formulary changes.