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Narrative Descriptions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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See also:

• Common NPDB-HIPDB Definitions
• Fact Sheet on Developing Factually Sufficient Narratives for Adverse Action Reports
• Fact Sheet on Submitting a Report Through the IQRS

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1. How do I know if my adverse action narrative description is factually sufficient and if I meet the statutory reporting requirements?

   To meet the statutory reporting requirements, the description must have enough detailed information so that a knowledgeable reviewer can determine clearly the circumstances of the action or surrender. In other words, you must provide a clear understanding of what the subject practitioner is alleged to have done, the nature of the action taken, and the reasons for the report. Merely repeating the adverse action or basis for action code is not factually sufficient. Do not reference personal identifying information about patients, other health care practitioners, plaintiffs, and/or witnesses (e.g., names). The narrative may be up to 4,000 characters in length. (Also in Reporting FAQ.)
   

2. How do I make changes to a narrative description after I have submitted the report?

   To change a narrative description in a report, you must submit a correction to that report. A correction is a change to the report resulting from the discovery of an error or omission in an Initial Report. Please do not submit a Revision-to-Action Report, which is a report that relates to and/or modifies an adverse action previously reported to the Data Bank(s). Nor should you void the report, which should be done only if it was erroneously submitted, if it was not required to be filed, or the action is reversed because the original action should never have been taken (e.g., overturned on appeal).

   Finally, when submitting any report to the Data Bank(s), please remember that you are required to provide a narrative description with enough detailed information so that a knowledgeable reviewer can determine clearly the circumstances of the action or surrender. Do not reference personal identifying information about patients, other health care practitioners, plaintiffs, and/or witnesses (e.g., names). (Also in Reporting FAQ).

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Back to Top	Return to FAQ Topics	Customer Service Center 1-800-767-6732
	Last revised January 2008

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