Final answer:
Hospitals consider their unique medication usage and internal error data when preparing high-alert and hazardous medications lists, guided but not limited by NIOSH. They must also evaluate new medications for these lists. The FDA regulates new drug approvals to ensure safety and efficacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When preparing the list of high-alert and hazardous medications, the hospital considers its unique utilization patterns of medications and its own internal data about medication errors and sentinel events. It is important for a healthcare facility to tailor its list based on the specific medications it uses and the history of their use within the institution. Although the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides a list of hazardous medications, hospitals are not solely required to use this list but should consider it in the context of their own operations. Additionally, when new medications are introduced to the market or hospital, there is a requirement to evaluate these as well for inclusion in the list if they are deemed high-alert or hazardous.
Furthermore, the healthcare industry is governed by regulations to ensure patient safety. For instance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) meticulously reviews new drugs before allowing them on the market through a process known as a New Drug Application (NDA). This scrutiny aims to ensure that drugs are safe and effective when used as prescribed. Despite strict regulations, when incidents occur, determining liability can be complex and may include equipment manufacturers, healthcare providers, and maintenance protocols amongst other factors.