Professional Liability Insurance for Nurses

One of the biggest mistakes nurses make is assuming the malpractice insurance their employer provides is the only insurance they need as a practicing nurse. Nothing could be further from the truth! The American Nurses Association states:

"Professional Liability Insurance: A must have for every nurse. Protect your career by purchasing your own coverage at a reasonable price. Every nurse today should carry their own professional liability insurance to protect themselves from the costs of legal and board of nursing action -- even if they are covered by their employer."

According to the Nurses Services Organization:

"Healthcare staff reductions are putting increased demands on nurses and more and more patients are demanding cash compensation for problems—both real and frivolous.

Many nurses choose to rely solely on the coverage provided by their employer to protect their finances and careers. While it is a valuable benefit there are good reasons not to depend on your employer’s coverage alone:

• Your employer's policy is not likely to offer coverage for off-duty incidents.
• Your employer's policy is not likely to cover you following a layoff or job change - even though you may still be held liable for a medical incident that occurred while you were employed.
• Worse yet, your employer's insurance company could actually turn around and sue you to recover damages if they feel you are even remotely responsible - armed with all the information you provided in good faith!"

According to LaTonia Denise Wright, RN, BSN, JD - "In my opinion all nurses should consider purchasing their own individual professional liability insurance policy. The risks you face in nursing practice won't disappear when you seek employment elsewhere; there are inherent risks associated with the practice of nursing. The potential for liability exists because of nursing accountability and this won't change with your employment setting."

Another problem to consider is board of nursing investigations and/or actions against you and your license. Defending yourself when facing the board of nursing makes no more sense than defending yourself in a criminal or civil legal proceeding!

Professional Liability Insurance protects you against covered claims arising from real or alleged errors or omissions, including negligence, in the course of your professional duties. Remember, legal defense and settlement costs are paid in addition to your limits of liability.

In the event of a lawsuit, your own Professional Liability Insurance policy would:

- Provide you with your own attorney
- Pay all reasonable costs incurred in the defense or investigation of a claim
- Pay your lost wages
- Provide reimbursement if licensing board issues were involved
- Pay court costs and settlements in addition to the limits of liability

Consult with a licensed insurance provider regarding the type of policies they offer for nurses.

Professionals carry liability insurance for their professional specialty. If you're a nurse and you DON'T carry your own liability insurance, why not? The time to find out if your insurance is adequate (either your own policy or that provided by your employer) is NOT when you are sued or called before the board of nursing.