National Practitioner Data Bank: more guidelines, more problems.

Abstract

The complex reporting requirements under the National Practitioner Data Bank are further complicated by numerous exceptions and conflicting interpretations. Even after two years of operation, many physicians and reporting entities are unfamiliar with the system and its problems. In an apparent attempt to clarify the requirements, the Department of Health and Human Services, in 1992, issued a supplement to its 1990 guidebook for users. Unfortunately, this supplement causes even greater confusion and fails to correct existing inconsistencies with respect to such critical issues as summary suspension and medical malpractice settlement reporting.