The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) is used to collect and release information on the professional competence and conduct of physicians, dentists, and other healthcare practitioners. Information in the NPDB is considered strictly confidential. NPDB queries can be made by state licensing boards, hospitals, other healthcare organizations, and professional societies that have entered or maybe entering into employment or affiliation relationships with a physician, dentist, or another healthcare practitioner who has applied for clinical privileges or appointment to a medical staff.