Question

1. The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) was established to limit the movement of physicians through the US who have negative histories of medical malpractice lawsuits, loss or suspension of licensure, and loss of privileges at previous employers. Although, theoretically, this provides a safety net, such safeguards are not always realized. Why do you think these safeguards may fall through the cracks?

Answer 1

The National Practitioner Data Bank( NPDB)

NPDB is a web based information system that is operated by the U.S department of Health and Human services and aimed at protecting the public , improving health care quality and providing information on physician, who are charged with malpractice. NPDB is established under the law Health care Quality improvement Act , 1986. This Data bank helps to identify and discipline the medical practitioner , who were charged for unprofessional behaviour and  fraudulent practices . Also restrict the movement of such practitioners from state to state.

Cracks in the safeguards: Even though theoretically , it is good solution for reducing the fraudulent practices and unprofessional behaviour and enable people to identify such  medical practitioners , dentists etc , there are certain cracks or loopholes in the system. There is a high risk of error in the process of blacklisting the physicians . Feed back about the physicians' poor quality in performance often undergo subjectivity. Some may misuse the facility against their professional enemies. It may unfairly spoil the careers of certain competent physicians. Many incompetent physicians may escape from the Databank's list. This NPDB system may misuse by certain employers against physicians , who raises a complaint or concern about the issue or problems with the Healthcare facility, it may inturn resulting in silencing of such physicians,  that may negatively impact the quality of care.