Which organization issues a pharmacy's National Provider Identifier (NPI)?

The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The NPI is a unique identification number for covered healthcare providers, including pharmacies, that is necessary for billing and administrative purposes within the healthcare system, particularly for services covered by Medicare and Medicaid.

CMS is the federal agency responsible for administering these programs and ensuring compliance with their regulations. The issuance of NPIs is part of an effort to standardize the identification of healthcare providers across the United States, facilitating easier coordination of care and billing.

Other organizations mentioned, such as the Board of Pharmacy, primarily oversee the licensure and practice of pharmacies and pharmacists at the state level. The Joint Commission focuses on healthcare quality and safety through its accreditation programs, while the Drug Enforcement Agency regulates controlled substances. These roles do not extend to issuing NPIs, which specifically falls under the jurisdiction of CMS.