Which act established the National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB)?

The National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB) was established by the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986. This act was created to enhance the quality of health care by encouraging hospitals and other health care entities to improve their peer review processes. The NPDB serves as a repository of information about health care practitioners, including data on malpractice payments and disciplinary actions, which is crucial for ensuring a high standard of care and maintaining public trust in the healthcare system.

The act addressed concerns about the quality of care, particularly in relation to the negative impact that certain practitioners could have on patient safety. By requiring healthcare organizations to check the NPDB before making hiring decisions or granting privileges, the act aimed to prevent practitioners with a history of malpractice or disciplinary actions from easily moving between facilities.

Through this established data bank, the act promotes accountability in the healthcare profession, supporting the rise in quality improvement initiatives across the sector. Thus, the selection of the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 as the act that established the NPDB is accurate and reflects the intended purpose of improving and maintaining healthcare quality.