NAMSS calls for more clarity in NPDB Guidebook

The National Association Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) has submitted its proposed changes to the NPDB Guidebook with the goal of clarifying the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reporting process and to facilitate accuracy in NPDB reporting. In a letter signed by NAMSS president John Pastrano, BBA, CPCS, CPMSM, the association encouraged Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to clarify and enhance several components of its revised Guidebook. 

NAMSS’ suggested changes include:

• Clarification of item E4 in the Reports chapter (Terminology Differences) and limit its reference to reporting actions based on NPDB’s Reporting requirements, to avoid confusion about whether an action must be reported to the NPDB. HRSA should also provide examples of suspensions that are reportable.

• Simplification of the sentence in item E9 to clarify whether accreditation refers to individuals or groups. Currently the sentence reads: “Examples of when a Revision-to-Action report should be submitted include … Clinical privileges, professional society membership, accreditation, program participation, or a license has been reinstated.”

• With regard to item E34, Proctoring, the Guidebook should confirm that a proctor’s reporting on an individual’s performance (but not giving or withholding permission to practice) is NOT a reportable professional review action.

The finalized NPDB Guidebook is expected later this year.

Source: NAMSS