Which group creates and maintains hospital formularies?

• A. Insurance providers
• B. Medical staff only
• C. Hospital administration
• D. Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committee

Answer: (D)

Hospital formularies are created and maintained by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committee. This multidisciplinary group evaluates medications for safety, efficacy, and cost, and decides which drugs will be stocked, which will be preferred, and what guidelines or restrictions (such as prior authorization or therapeutic interchange) apply. The committee typically includes pharmacists, physicians, and other clinicians who review new drugs, compare alternatives, and set dosing and monitoring standards. They work with the pharmacy department to implement these decisions in procurement and day-to-day prescribing, ensuring consistent, evidence-based care while controlling costs. While insurance providers, medical staff input, and hospital administration all play important roles in related processes, the formal responsibility for the formulary lies with the P&T committee.