Malpractice data from the National Practitioner Data Bank

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Policy
• Medical Informatics
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) collects malpractice payments and adverse actions against healthcare providers since 1990.
• It serves as a resource for healthcare entities to vet practitioners before hiring.
• Data for this study was specifically compiled from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare malpractice payment data for Registered Nurses (RNs), Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), and physicians reported to the NPDB up to 1993.
• To examine the accuracy and implications of this data, particularly for APNs.

Main Methods:

• Statistical analysis of NPDB malpractice payment reports.
• Comparison of reported payment rates across RNs, APNs, and physicians.
• Examination of data accuracy and reporting trends.

Main Results:

• Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) had significantly lower malpractice payment report rates than physicians.
• The study presents raw and rate data for these professional groups.
• Analysis indicates potential disparities in reporting or practice-related malpractice events.

Conclusions:

• The NPDB data suggests a lower frequency of malpractice payments for nurses compared to physicians.
• Findings have implications for understanding the risk profiles and reporting mechanisms for APNs.
• Further investigation into data accuracy and reporting practices is warranted.