Malpractice insurance for CNM's?

beckinben, CNM · Jul 21, 2007

As someone trying to decide if CNM is the path for me, I have some questions about malpractice insurance.
I know the costs are high. Is there any way to get an approximate estimate for costs? I especially would like to compare two different states. If malpractice is higher for an OB/GYN in one state than another, would it also be higher for a CNM in that state?
How do CNM's afford the costs?
Any input would be appreciated.
Thank you.

Malpractice costs vary widely. Your best bet would be to ask someone practicing in those states. State laws have a big impact.

Some of the ways midwives deal with malpractice:

- employers (physicians, hospitals, HMOs) pay it for them

- they work for the state or federal government and are covered that way - i.e. for a Federally Qualified Health Center or for the Indian Health Service via the Federal Tort Claims Act

- they buy it themselves

- they go without - yes, some do

Hope that helps. It varies so much that it is hard to give specifics.

midwife2b · Jul 22, 2007

As someone trying to decide if CNM is the path for me, I have some questions about malpractice insurance.
I know the costs are high. Is there any way to get an approximate estimate for costs? I especially would like to compare two different states. If malpractice is higher for an OB/GYN in one state than another, would it also be higher for a CNM in that state?
How do CNM's afford the costs?
Any input would be appreciated.
Thank you.

I work in a multi-specialty private practice with over 70 physicians. My personal malpractice rate is quite low because of that. (I don't have to pay it out of pocket but I could if need be).

Depends on where and with what kind of group you work with.