A division of Health and Human Services continues to squirm under a strong public spotlight following its recent decision to summarily shut down a database that provides information on medical malpractice and hospital disciplinary actions regarding faulty medical care.

We reported on the decision by the Health Resources and Services Administration ("HRSA") to dismantle the data bank in our October 3 blog post. The database, which goes by the imposing name of National Practitioner Data Bank's Public Use File, was dismantled following the release of a physician's name by a journalist who was essentially able to crack the database code intended to ensure anonymity by using court records and de-identified data.

If HRSA expected mute acquiescence in response to its move, it was greatly mistaken. Public watchdog groups lined up to challenge and object to the data bank's removal, citing its role as a valuable tool for disseminating information on malpractice activity and claims.

Now a prominent legislator has joined the fray, and he doesn't mince words when voicing his strong disapproval of HRSA's unilateral action. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) calls the database removal, coupled with threats made by HRSA officials against the reporter -- "disturbing and bizarre" and is calling for an "in-depth briefing" on the matter.

Grassley says that shutting off public access to the information that is regularly uploaded into the database "undermines the critical mission of identifying inefficiencies within our healthcare system."

The senator is demanding to know who at HRSA made the decision to pull the plug and when the database will be back online.

Related Resource: Modern Health Care "Grassley probing shutdown of physician-discipline database" Oct. 9, 2011