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From Topics in Advanced Practice Nursing eJournal

Articles - Questions and Answers on Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners

Posted 02/03/2006
Carolyn Buppert, NP, JD

Questions on Malpractice Insurance

A nurse practitioner (NP) writes:
"My collaborative MD believes that I should not need more liability insurance than his rider. My FNP liability insurance costs $1200 -- more than either PNP or ANP. My colleague in the same practice has separate credentials for ANP and PNP but as most of our patients are adult she only carries her insurance for adult -- $800. What do you think about the actual liability needs?"

This question exemplifies the dilemmas NPs are facing when attempting to cover themselves for professional liability. Inherent in this NP's questions are the following questions:
Do I need my own policy, if I am employed and my employer covers me?

• How much malpractice insurance do I need?
• Do I need coverage for all of my areas of certification, even if my practice is limited to one area?
• Why do policies for some areas of certification cost more than others?
• If I don't sign up for the appropriate type of policy, can the insurer refuse to cover me if I am sued?

This article addresses those questions.