Tip of the week: Never make an improper report to the National Practitioner Data Bank

A hospital should never make an improper report to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). A report made incorrectly can have a negative effect on a physician’s career and can lead to litigation. Therefore, medical staff bylaws should clearly define the following criteria:

• When an investigation begins and who can initiate or authorize it
• What the grounds are for an investigation
• Who will carry out the investigation
• How the investigation will be documented
• What the obligations are for reporting a voluntary surrender or plea bargain by the practitioner under investigation

Only the medical executive committee should decide when an investigation begins to differentiate between a formal investigation and peer review. Focused professional practice evaluation (a.k.a. FPPE) does not constitute a formal investigation.

This week’s tip is adapted from The Greeley Guide to Medical Staff Bylaws, Second Edition by Joseph D. Cooper, MD, CMSL, now at a reduced price!