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HPDS Frequently Asked Questions
This is just a sampling of questions that we frequently receive. If you have other questions that are not addressed in this list, we would be happy to speak with you. Please call us at 919-966-7112 or email us at nchp@unc.edu.
1. Why isn't my profession included in the North Carolina Health Professions Data System?
- Many factors are considered in determining participation in the HPDS, which is limited to those health professions which are fully licensed (no exceptions) by North Carolina statute and which collect a minimum data set. The process of evaluating additional health professions data for inclusion is a complex one. Once a profession has met the inclusion standards, the decision to add them to the HPDS will depend on available funding and staff.
2. I'm from another state and would like to apply for licensure in North Carolina. Where do I go for more information?
3. I am looking for the same type of health professions data that you have in North Carolina, only in a different state. Where do I look for this?
- Many states either do not have a system like North Carolina, or are in the process of developing one. In general, the best places to start would be the state's licensing bodies and the State Health Workforce Profiles (http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/reports/profiles) provided by the Bureau of Health Professions at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA, http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/).
4. I need to request a mailing list -or- I need to request other types of data. How do I do this?
- The following boards prefer to handle their own requests
for mailing lists and analysis files: NC Board of Nursing,
NC State Board of Examiners in Optometry, and NC State Board
of Physical Therapy Examiners. You should contact them directly;
for contact information, see our list of licensing boards
(http://www.shepscenter.unc.edu/hp/boards.htm).
5. I am interested in setting up a similar data system in my state. Where can I get more information?
- Please contact us and we would be happy to send you additional information on the NC HPDS and help answer some questions. You should be aware that every state is different in terms of data collection and organization, so what we do in North Carolina may not be feasible or appropriate in your state. However, the information we have compiled may help you get started.
6. I've noticed the reports on your website. How do you decide what to publish, and can I get a report on my profession?
- Many of the topics of our reports stem from recurring themes in data requests and hot topics in the policy world. Available funding, staff workloads and data availability also dictate what we can or cannot do. If you are interested in a report on your profession, please send a detailed email to us with your contact information at nchp@unc.edu and we will evaluate whether or not we can produce it. We may also be able to provide data to you so that you may produce your own report (see the data request guidelines at http://www.shepscenter.unc.edu/hp/request.htm).
7. I'm trying to find out if my county has a shortage of physicians (or other professions). How do I determine this?
- Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) are federally designated areas that report a shortage of primary care, mental health or dental providers. Areas can apply for HPSA status; in North Carolina, this is done through the NC Office of Research, Demonstrations, and Rural Health Development. For HPSA designation criteria and to see a current list of HPSAs, go to the Shortage Designation Branch of HRSA at http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/shortage/.
- For other professions, we can provide the data, but are unable to determine whether or not there is a shortage. Comparisons to national and state averages can be made; please contact us for these types of data.
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