National Data Bank to revolutionize peer review reporting

In addition to state-mandated reporting requirements, hospitals and other health care entities soon must comply with the reporting requirements of the Health Care Quality Improvement Act, as implemented by Health and Human Services regulations. The regulations require reporting (1) adverse peer review and licensure actions involving physicians and dentists; and (2) malpractice claims payments involving physicians, dentists or other health care practitioners. Otherwise, reporting on other health care practitioners is voluntary. Hospitals must request information from the Data Bank about applicants for medical staff appointment or privileges and must review Data Bank information about practitioners on staff every two years thereafter. Hospitals must have policies and procedures for requesting such information.