Which regulatory body governs pharmacy practices in the United States?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the regulatory body that governs pharmacy practices in the United States. Its responsibilities include overseeing the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, ensuring that drugs and medical devices meet established standards before they can be marketed to the public. The FDA also regulates the practices related to the manufacturing, distribution, and advertising of medications, playing a crucial role in maintaining public health and safety through rigorous evaluation processes.

While the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) sets quality standards for medicines and their ingredients, it does not have regulatory power. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses primarily on public health and disease control rather than direct regulation of pharmacy practices. Similarly, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is primarily a research institution and does not regulate pharmacy practices. Thus, the FDA's comprehensive role in regulating pharmaceuticals makes it the correct choice.