2015-15802. Notice of Publication of the Revised Guidebook for the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB)

AGENCY:

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) announces the release of the revised user Guidebook. The NPDB is a confidential information clearinghouse created by Congress and intended to facilitate a comprehensive review of the professional credentials of health care practitioners, entities, and suppliers. The Guidebook is the primary policy document explaining the statutes and regulations behind and operation of the NPDB. It serves as an essential reference for NPDB users, offering reporting and querying examples, explanations, definitions, and frequently asked questions. The new Guidebook incorporates legislative and regulatory changes adopted since its last edition, including the NPDB's merger with the Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank.

In November 2013, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released a draft Guidebook to the public for review and comment by NPDB stakeholders and other interested parties. It announced the draft Guidebook's availability in the Federal Register. HRSA received more than 360 separate comments, consisting of analyses of issues raised by the draft Guidebook. The NPDB carefully studied all comments received, and many led to detailed analyses of how NPDB explains its policies to its audiences. The final Guidebook is now available at www.npdb.hrsa.gov and replaces previous Guidebooks.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ernia P. Hughes, MBA, Director of the Division of Practitioner Data Bank, Bureau of Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Administration at: [e-mail] or 301-443-2300.

Dated: June 18, 2015.

James Macrae,

Acting Administrator.