News

Latest News

Public Use Data File Updated: (02/08/2013); The NPDB Public Use Data File has been updated to include disclosable statistical report information received from September 1, 1990 through December 31, 2012. The file does not contain any information that identifies individual practitioners or reporting entitites and is designed for statistical analysis only.

The February Data Bank News is Now Available!: (02/06/2013); This month's issue informs users of the Paperless Registration Renewal enhancement, reminds users about the Data Bank's learning and training resources, and guides users through the Related Query Response.

Enhanced Self-Query Workflow Now In Effect!: (01/14/2013); The Data Bank has introduced a streamlined workflow for entering a new Self-Query. In addition, your Self-Query result is now easier to interpret. The new cover page displays a summary of reports in Section C and lists the type of reports, if any, that are in the Data Bank on the queried subject. For information on how to interpret your self-query, please see our guide.

The January 2013 Data Bank News is now available!: (01/02/2013); This month, the Data Bank shares Coreen's experience with Continuous Query, informs readers of their responsibilities for protecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII), gives a short reminder about Self-Query, and answers user questions in "Dear Data Bank."

Paperless Registration Renewal Now In Effect!: (01/01/2013); The Data Bank has implemented paperless registration renewals, which means (for most entities) your Data Bank Administrator will now be able to renew your entity's registration entirely online. Please see the How to Renew Registration page for more information.

New Boards of Pharmacy Fact Sheet Available: (12/13/2012); The fact sheet answers questions that pharmacy boards, associations, and pharmacists may have on reporting requirements. Fact sheets are also available for chiropractors, nurses, and pharmacists.

Public Use Data File Updated: (12/12/2012); The NPDB Public Use Data File has been updated to include disclosable statistical report information received from September 1, 1990 through September 30, 2012. The file does not contain any information that identifies individual practitioners or reporting entitites and is designed for statistical analysis only.

The December 2012 Data Bank News Is Now Available!: (12/05/2012); This month, the Data Bank answers questions about the upcoming Merge, and shares a detailed look into the dispute process. See the Data Bank News.

The November 2012 Data Bank News Is Now Available!: (11/06/2012); The November 2012 Data Bank News details how to write a Factually Sufficient Narrative Description, shares one user's experience with Continuous Query, and answers user questions in "Dear Data Bank."

Related Query Response and Other Enhancements Now in Effect!: (11/05/2012); Effective today, the Data Bank introduces the Related Query Response, which makes it easier for queriers to see how reports are related. In addition, reports themselves have an improved layout, and Continuous Query users will see further enhancements. See the Help Guide for details, including screenshots.

The September 2012 Compliance Activities Webcast recording is now available!: (10/05/2012); This video walks you through the new Compliance functions in the Data Bank system.

The October 2012 Data Bank News Is Now Available!: (10/02/2012); The October 2012 Data Bank News details the enhancements coming on November 5th, updates users on the progress of the Data Bank's compliance efforts - including the Compliance Page enhancement, and answers user questions in "Dear Data Bank."

Attention Data Bank reporters: the Compliance Page Training Video is now available!: (09/18/2012); This video will acquaint you with the new Compliance page under Options, and show you how to interact with this new functionality.

The Report Maintenance Training Video is now available!: (09/07/2012); This video will introduce you to the new Report Maintenance feature, which can now alert you of issues with reports (including duplicate, incorrect, or missing reports; or missing revisions) and let you know how to resolve them.

The September 2012 Data Bank News Is Now Available!: (09/04/2012); The September 2012 Data Bank News details the responsibilities of Data Bank Administrators, describes the role of Section 1921 in enhancing health care safety, and answers user questions about State Licensing Board reporting scenarios in "Dear Data Bank."

Report Quality Enhancements Go Live: (08/27/2012); The Data Bank's report quality enhancements are in effect! The system will now proactively identify and help prevent duplicate report submissions; identify inaccurate and potentially missing report actions, such as a practitioner's reinstatement following a probation period; and launch an online Compliance Portal available for organizations that are under compliance review. See the August 2012 Data Bank News for detailed descriptions of these enhancements.

Public Use Data File Updated: (08/20/2012); The NPDB Public Use Data File has been updated to include disclosable statistical report information received from September 1, 1990 through June 30, 2012. The file does not contain any information that identifies individual practitioners or reporting entitites and is designed for statistical analysis only.

The August 2012 Data Bank News Is Now Available!: (08/01/2012); The August 2012 Data Bank News describes the report quality enhancements coming on August 27th, introduces the Hospital Compliance Effort, and tells users about the transition from ITP to QRXS.

The July 2012 Data Bank News is now available!: (07/05/2012); The July 2012 Data Bank News announces a milestone with Continuous Query—A Success Story and updates readers on the July 1 compliance posting which includes behavioral health professions for the first time. Our Dear Data Bank article responds to recent questions asked by Data Bank users.

The June 2012 Data Bank News is now available!: (06/06/2012); This month's issue highlights the subject database and how it can save you time. Also featured this month is the personal story of a Continuous Query user at a Midwestern community health center, and what July's new Data Bank compliance posting will update.; Questions are always welcomed for future editions of Dear Data Bank by contacting the Data Bank at help@npdb-hipdb.hrsa.gov or 1-800-767-6732.

Query Results, Simplified: (06/04/2012); Did you know the Data Bank has simplified how you view query results? As of June 4, 2012, Data Bank users have the ability to easily distinguish query responses based on the name of the query subject. Users can also easily see the total amount charged for each query response. These changes make the Query Responses table easier to read, while providing more information with fewer clicks.

Public Use Data File Updated: (05/25/2012); The NPDB Public Use Data File has been updated to include disclosable statistical report information received from September 1, 1990 through March 31, 2012. The file does not contain any information that identifies individual practitioners or reporting entitites and is designed for statistical analysis only.

The May 2012 Data Bank News is now available!: (05/02/2012); The May 2012 Data Bank News delivers the latest information about the expanded research data analysis and output capabilities and details increased usage of the report forwarding enhancement by State Boards. Answers to your policies and procedures questions can be found in 'Dear Data Bank'.; Questions are always welcomed for future editions of Dear Data Bank by contacting the Data Bank at help@npdb-hipdb.hrsa.gov or 1-800-767-6732.

Data Bank Enhances NPDB Report Statistics by State: (04/30/2012); The Data Bank has enhanced the NPDB Report Statistics by State by including trend plots and updating the tabular data. View the Statistical Data page for links to our interactive U.S. map and data table.

2010 Annual Report Published: (04/16/2012); The Data Bank is pleased to announce that the 2010 Annual Report is now available on the Data Bank website. The report identifies research activity and policy initiatives undertaken by the NPDB in those years, and reviews trends and statistics that summarize three years of NPDB reporting. Many system enhancements were based on suggestions from Data Bank users and stakeholders. As always, we appreciate your support and interest in the Data Bank.

The April 2012 Data Bank News is now available!: (04/04/2012); The April 2012 Data Bank News provides the latest information about Data Bank enhancements, upgrades in system security, new research statistics, and the benefits of report forwarding. Comments are welcomed on the proposed rulemaking for the operations of the National Practitioner Data Bank and the Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank. Upcoming events and answers to your questions about policies and procedures can be found in this issue.

Website Transformation & Report Enhancement: (04/02/2012); Have you noticed the new look of the querying and reporting service area of the Data Bank website? The entire website now has the same clean look and feel throughout, along with other enhancements for reporters. Reporters can immediately download their Report Verification Documents (RVDs) as they are now processed in real-time. No more waiting! See the new April e-newsletter for details.

QRXS and ITP Users Take Note!: (03/01/2012); On August 27, 2012, the Data Bank will implement several improvements to the QRXS and ITP submission and response file formats. To better prepare you for the upcoming changes, updated QRXS and ITP File Format Specifications are now available.

Public Use Data File Updated: (02/28/2012); The NPDB Public Use Data File has been updated to include disclosable statistical report information received from September 1, 1990 through December 31, 2011. The file does not contain any information that identifies individual practitioners or reporting entitites and is designed for statistical analysis only.

Comment Period Begins on Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Merging NPDB and HIPDB Operations: (02/15/2012); On February 15, 2012, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) published the NPRM in the Federal Register to implement Section 6403 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. The purpose of Section 6403 is to eliminate duplicative data reporting and access requirements between the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and the Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB), and to streamline Data Bank operations. HRSA invites comments on this proposed rule.; The NPRM for implementing Section 6403 will close for public comment on April 16, 2012. To submit comments electronically, visit the Federal eRulemaking Portal.; Section 6403 requires the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish a transition period to transfer all data in the HIPDB to the NPDB and, once completed, to cease HIPDB operations. Information previously collected and disclosed through the HIPDB will then be collected and disclosed through the NPDB. The statute's intent is to transition HIPDB operations to the NPDB while maintaining reporting and querying requirements.

Reporters: How Does Report Forwarding Benefit You?

(02/13/2012)

If your organization reports Medical Malpractice Payments, Clinical Privilege Actions, or Professional Society Action Reports, a new Data Bank report forwarding system enhancement can greatly streamline your processes.

Organizations that submit these types of actions are required by Federal law to mail a copy of the Report Verification Document (RVD) to the appropriate State Board. Since January 23, 2012, the new report forwarding capability enables organizations to forward an electronic report copy directly to the State Board using the Data Bank system. Once a report is electronically forwarded and viewed by the appropriate State Board, your organization will have met its reporting obligation under Federal law.

Benefits for Reporting Organizations

No need to remember to mail RVD to State Board. Reduces physical burden of mailing paper copies.
Facilitates compliance with Federal law.
Streamlines workflow.
- An email notifies you immediately when the electronic report is viewed by the State Board.
- The reporting entity monthly summary email includes the number of reports electronically forwarded by your organization and the number of reports viewed by the State Board.
- The Historical Report search option allows filtering for reports that have been electronically forwarded and viewed by the State Board.
- A revised Historical Report Summary page identifies the Board, and the date the report was viewed by the Board, and may also be downloaded to a spreadsheet.

Benefits for the State Board

Quick and timely receipt of electronic reports.
Reduces paper files - The Board can store reports electronically.
The State Board monthly summary email includes the number of electronic reports forwarded to and viewed by each State Board.

Take Advantage of This Opportunity

Participating in report forwarding is easy. To get started, complete the Report Input form as you normally do, and at the end of the report click the radio button indicating you want the report to be electronically forwarded to the appropriate State Board. (If the Board has not opted in to report forwarding, you will only see the option to print and mail a copy of the report.)

Once a report is forwarded, reporting organizations will receive an email either affirming that the report was viewed by the Board and they have met their reporting obligation; or explaining that the State Board has not viewed the report, or declines to view the report, and reminding the reporting organization they need to mail the report to the State Board. The flow chart details the report forwarding enhancement between the reporting organization and State Board.

For more information, go to the Report Forwarding Tutorial (PDF - 636 KB). You may also read the January 2012 newsletter article, Enhancements Simplify Multiple Data Bank Processes. The Data Bank Customer Service Center is also available during business hours to answer additional questions at 1-800-767-6732.

Data Bank Releases NPDB Report Statistics by State: (02/01/2012); The Data Bank just released new NPDB Report Statistics by State. View the Statistical Data page for links to our interactive U.S. map and data table.

January enhancements streamline processes: (01/23/2012); Effective today, the Data Bank introduces a number of enhancements aimed at streamlining processes for many Data Bank reporters and queriers, including State Licensing and Certification Agencies and Data Bank Administrators who are responsible for registering their organizations. See our January 2012 Data Bank News for details.

Past news is available in the archive.

February 2013 Newsletter

See the February 2013 Data Bank Newsletter!

The Data Bank Newsletter provides important information that includes upcoming system improvements, helpful hints, and answers to common questions about policies and procedures. Past newsletters are available for viewing in our archive.

Subscription Information

All organizations and users that are registered with the Data Bank automatically receive an email version of the newsletter. If you are not registered and would like to receive this e-newsletter, send an email to enewsletter-pub-subscribe@npdb-hipdb.hrsa.gov. To stop receiving the e-newsletter, send an email to enewsletter-pub-unsubscribe@npdb-hipdb.hrsa.gov. To make additional changes on how you receive the newsletter, see Notification Preferences after signing in.

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