Should I Carry Nursing Malpractice (Liability) Insurance?

Malpractice (liability) insurance provides essential legal and financial security. Many Nurses go "bare" and never really consider Liability insurance as important. Be sure you are well informed before you make any final decisions about your future. Nurses Career Support Video Knowledge

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You are reading page 14 of Should I Carry Nursing Malpractice (Liability) Insurance?

serenityk579

3 Posts

Specializes in Nursing homes, dermatology.

So then what would be good companies to look into for this? I live in WI...doest that make a difference???

Editorial Team / Admin

sirI, MSN, APRN, NP

17 Articles; 44,729 Posts

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
serenityk579 said:
So then what would be good companies to look into for this? I live in WI...doest that make a difference???

Look on the first page and find some companies.

Many, many nurses use NSO. For an LPN in WI, employed full-time and not a newly licensed nurse, premiums are around $107.00/year for 1/6 coverage.

talaxandra

3,037 Posts

Specializes in Medical.

To summarise: whatever state you live in, whatever kind of work you do, all nurses should have indemnity insurance. Pick a company from the list sirI provided on the first page, in the first post, or call around and compare. For me it's like travel insurance - if I can't afford to buy it, I can't afford to travel. Or, in this case, work.

Well, in Australia I can't work - indemnity insurance is a condition of registration for all health professioanls here.

Langata145

1 Post

Yes you should carry . There has been a 21% increase in nursing disciplinary action over the past 5 years and in the event that you face the state board of nursing you will need legal representation. I recommend at least starting with a prepaid legal plan (about $17.000 per month) You will need a lawyer who specializes in license law.

Editorial Team / Admin

sirI, MSN, APRN, NP

17 Articles; 44,729 Posts

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

As with any plan, the consumer must check out any plan including all fine print.

PPL Plans are utilized by many entities where high-risk legal issues are the norm. Some of the areas that are included would be speeding tickets, real estate issues, contract issues, IRS issues.

Malpractice issues tend to be very time and resource consuming and require special experience and skill. So, the consumer must ensure this is definitely in the pre-paid plan.

Also, these plans usually cost much more than "regular" .

One caveat I always embrace is "buyer beware". Not saying these plans are wrong, just be careful with any product you purchase.

(i've never met anyone who utilized a PPL Plan)

Specializes in All Icus x Nicu/ Shock Trauma/flight nur.

Yes by all means carry mal-reactice insurance. There are a number of reasons to have it. Did you know that if a complaint is lodged gainst your license you MP insurance will cover the cost of and attorney. It's well worth the expense.

FLGNRSE2

NeMnurse

2 Posts

Yes, it seems that having is a good idea. What if I just purchased the insurance, but wasn't covered last year. Would it be possible to get coverage for the previous year as well? Is this possible to purchase a "back dated" policy?

talaxandra

3,037 Posts

Specializes in Medical.

I don't know of any insurance, in any field (eg travel, home and contents, car) that provides backdated coverage.

NeMnurse

2 Posts

Well, I was looking online and noticed some indemnity insurances for engineers and accountants will backdate coverage if the individual has not been covered and there is not a current claim against them.

Specializes in All Icus x Nicu/ Shock Trauma/flight nur.

I don't think your going to find any company to insure you for the previous year. It's my opinion that I wouldn't give any attorney a chunk of cash up front, I would keep it sat aside in a personal account and let it earn interest, then if you need it you have it. I was a little confused in regards to an indemnity policy, I thought indemity policies pay a portion of Hospital/Medical expenses, then your major medical kicks in to pay, some but not all unless you have an arm and a leg to donate! FLTNRSE2

caffein

2 Posts

I would like to know:

If I didn't have active insurance now as I had stopped working as a nurse for couple of months/years. What if now someone sued me for when I was working and was covered under insurance? Do I still get assistance form insurance company now?

Its a hypothetical situation.

RkfdNurse1

28 Posts

Specializes in Pediatric, LTC , Alzheimers, Behavioral.

Yes Caffein...if you were covered at the time stated in the lawsuit, then you are certainly covered. It doesn't matter that you aren't covered now.