Reporting of Nurse Discipline to the National Practitioner Data Bank

Abstract

To maintain public safety, employers need current information on a health care practitioner's ability to practice safely. The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) is a web-based repository that provides confidential information that employers may query in order to review whether a license is encumbered by a regulatory board action as well as review any reports of malpractice payments or other credentialing results. The NPDB is primarily a flagging system that should serve only to alert queriers there might be a problem with the performance of a health care practitioner. Although the presence of a report in the NPDB should not be the singular determinant of whether the practitioner is denied employment, it is important information to consider in hiring decisions. A thorough evaluation of the license ultimately serves to protect the public. This article highlights the reporting of state licensure adverse actions of nurses to the NPDB.