National Practitioner Data Bank: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how dental employers use the National Practitioner Data Bank to conduct background checks and report malpractice payments.
The National Practitioner Data Bank is a federal database used to track professional history and ensure safety within the healthcare industry. It serves as a central repository for information regarding the professional conduct and history of practitioners.
Who it's for
This scheme is primarily designed for dental employers who are in the process of vetting new associates. It is a tool used during the hiring process to ensure that a practitioner's professional history is transparent before they begin working at a new practice.
What you get
When you conduct a query, you receive access to specific professional reports. These reports include information regarding malpractice payments and any adverse actions that have been taken against a practitioner. These reports are a standard part of a professional credentialing check used to verify the history of a healthcare provider.
What it costs you
Accessing these reports is not free. You will be required to pay a per-query fee for each background check you conduct through the system.
The catch to know
It is important to understand that this database is not just a one-way tool for employers to look up information. There is a legal requirement for certain malpractice payments to be reported to this database. This means that the information contained in these reports is updated based on specific regulatory reporting mandates.
How to apply
- Visit the official portal to begin the process.
- Register your dental practice or organization as an authorized user.
- Search for the specific practitioner you need to vet.
- Complete the request and pay the per-query fee to receive the report.