Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIP-DB)

The HIP-DB became effective November 22, 1999, and is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services. Federal and state health government agencies and health plans are required to report to the HIP-DB all final adverse actions taken against a health care provider, supplier, or practitioner since August 21, 1996.

The types of adverse actions that must be reported to the HIP-DB include:

1. Health care-related civil judgments against health care providers, suppliers and practitioners.
2. Health care-related criminal convictions against health care providers, suppliers and practitioners.
3. Adverse actions taken by federal or state agencies responsible for licensing and certification of health care providers, suppliers or practitioners.
4. Exclusions of health care providers, suppliers and practitioners from participation in federal or state health care programs.
5. Any other adjudicated actions or decisions as established by regulation.

Beginning January 2000, the HIP-DB made data available to federal and state agencies, law enforcement officials, and health plans. Also, the data bank’s information will be available to licensing boards. All information obtained from this data bank is considered confidential and must be used solely for the purpose of conducting investigations concerning health care providers, suppliers and practitioners. This information is intended to augment, not replace, traditional forms of review and investigation. The 1996 statute does not give the general public access to the HIP-DB.