The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) is a centralized repository that collects and discloses information regarding adverse actions related to healthcare practitioners and organizations, as well as medical malpractice payments. Authorized entities submit reports to the NPDB. Eligible healthcare organizations can query this database to obtain relevant information for hiring, oversight, and credentialing purposes. Access to NPDB data is strictly regulated by law, which means that organizations must be registered in this database. These registered organizations authorized each query. The information they receive is mainly based on their status registration process.
A query is a search request submitted to the NPDB database for information regarding a specific organization and healthcare practitioners. This database only releases the data that the querying entity is legally permitted to access. Healthcare organizations can submit queries directly via the NPDB portal or through the external system by using the querying and reporting XML service (QRXS).
Currently, the NPDB offers two main query types: one is a continuous query, and the other is a one-time query. Continuous query service provides an initial query response and ongoing notification of any updated or new reports for a healthcare practitioner during a one-year enrollment period. A one-time query provides a single snapshot of information at the time of the query without any future updates.
On December 4, 2026, the NPDB will launch a new unified system called “NPDB Query,” which will merge the individual one-time query and continuous query services. This change aims to simplify the querying process and increase the usability of the NPDB database. The new system will combine the benefits of both existing services by giving an immediate snapshot response along with optional ongoing updates.
The transition to NPDB Query will occur in phases throughout 2026. Beginning March 13, 2026, organizations can export files of one-time query subjects and import them into continuous query systems for bulk enrollments. Validation reports will be available to red flag any duplicates, errors, and incomplete entries. By July 2026, healthcare organizations will gain greater flexibility in managing enrollments. This includes the resume canceled enrollments within the active period, the ability to set durations between one day and 12 months, or end enrollment immediately after receiving the initial response. This transition will conclude on December 4, 2026, with the official launch of NPDB Query, which will replace both the continuous query and one-time query services.
The preparation of the NPDB Query depends on how organizations currently use NPDB services. For those already using continuous service, no action is needed as existing enrollment will automatically transition to NPDB Query. Healthcare organizations that depend on the one-time query are encouraged to begin using continuous query now or plan to adopt the NPDB Query upon its release, with tools available to import and export existing query data, mainly for supporting a smooth transition.
Organizations that are querying other healthcare organizations will see no changes as this functionality remains unaffected. NPDB Query primarily applies to practitioner queries. For users of third-party credentialing systems, vendors utilize QRXS for one-time queries that should transition to continuous queries or prepare for an NPDB query, which will become the only supported approach after its launch.
Integration into the NPDB Query is designed to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Each query will provide both immediate results and the option for ongoing monitoring, which helps organizations stay informed regarding new adverse reports. These support the mission of NPDB for reducing fraud/abuse, increasing the quality of healthcare, and protecting the public.
NPDB Query represents a significant improvement in how healthcare organizations access critical practitioner data, which offers a more efficient and user-friendly approach to querying.
Reference: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Individual One-Time Query and Continuous Query are Merging into – NPDB Query. 2026. Accessed April 1, 2026. The NPDB – Query Merge
