What was established by the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986?

The Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 established the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). This was created as a response to growing concerns about the quality of care delivered by healthcare practitioners. The NPDB serves as a centralized repository of information that tracks the professional competence and conduct of healthcare providers, including adverse actions such as malpractice payments and disciplinary actions taken against them by licensing boards.

The purpose of the NPDB is to enhance patient safety and quality of care by providing hospitals and other health care entities with vital information needed for making informed decisions about hiring practitioners and ensuring that those who are providing care meet certain standards. This act is significant in promoting accountability and continuous improvement in healthcare quality, thereby fostering a safer environment for patients.

In contrast, the other options do not pertain to the specific provisions set forth by the 1986 Act. For instance, a National Patient Safety Database focusing exclusively on collecting safety-related data does not exist, nor does the National Health Initiative, which does not relate directly to healthcare quality improvement or practitioner data. The National Credentialing Council is not a recognized entity established by this legislation; rather, credentialing processes are generally managed through various state and professional organizations.