Malpractice insurance gray area

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Oncology.

Hi all,

I'm confused as to which type of coverage I should get. I'm currently working as a full-time RN and I earned an MSN degree as a family nurse practitioner. However, I am not practicing as an NP to date. (I had a baby and am also now focused on being a full-time mommy!). So my question is: should I get coverage as just an RN, an RN plus student NP, or an RN plus FNP?

The reason why I ask is because there is such a price difference in the insurance between RN and NP, and I feel like I should not have to pay NP malpractice insurance coverage if I am not actively practicing as one. Correct me if I'm wrong! (I have insurance via NSO).

Thanks all!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You graduated so you are not a student NP. Contact NSO you may be able to get RN with inactive APN if working as an RN. You will likely be held to your highest license

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You will be held to your highest license so if your NP license is active I would expect they would want NP premiums.

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Contact the insurance company(ies) and ask them what coverage they are willing to write for you in your circumstance. If you apply for licensure and give them any misleading info (like, forget to mention that you're an NP in order to get insurance at the standard RN rate), like any other kind of insurance, they can refuse to cover you if, God forbid, you find yourself needing to use the insurance.

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Specializes in Healthcare risk management and liability.

CNA, who writes the insurance sold by NSO, is more interested in your scope of practice. In your case, since you are not working or practicing as a NP, I would put in for the standard nursing coverage. Be sure to explain your situation in the 'comments' section of the underwriting application to ensure that the underwriters know that although you have the NP degree, you do not have the NP license (assuming you do not) nor are working as one. You also need to make a mental note that when you do start working or practicing as a licensed NP, you need to update your insurance so the enhanced coverage is effective a few days before you start working as a NP. This is to avoid any coverage gaps.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I haven't retrieved my NP license yet. Is there a difference between having already graduated with the degree and actually obtaining the license from the state? All I know is I have to submit some paperwork to the state and wait for my license in the mail. Thanks for your reply!

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I haven't retrieved my NP license yet. Is there a difference between having already graduated with the degree and actually obtaining the license from the state?

Your insurance company would be your best source of information for these concerns.

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