When is a query of NPDB required for HFAP?

A query of the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) is required for the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) during both initial applications and reappointment applications. This requirement ensures that healthcare organizations conduct comprehensive background checks on practitioners to identify any history of malpractice, licensing issues, or other disciplinary actions that may affect their ability to provide safe and effective care.

By querying the NPDB during both the initial credentialing process and when renewing credentials, healthcare facilities uphold patient safety standards while fulfilling regulatory expectations. This continuous monitoring promotes accountability among healthcare providers and helps organizations maintain high-quality care. The need for a query only at certain points, like during initial applications or solely for reappointments, would not provide the aspect of ongoing assessment necessary for maintaining practitioner competency and safety in patient care.