Nurse Malpractice Insurance: Protecting Your Career and Finances

Author

Reads 666

Doctors and Nurses in a Hospital
Credit: pexels.com, Doctors and Nurses in a Hospital

As a nurse, you've dedicated yourself to helping others, and the last thing you need is the added stress of worrying about your career and finances. The truth is, every nurse is at risk of being sued for malpractice, regardless of their experience or skill level.

According to the article, the cost of a single malpractice lawsuit can be as high as $250,000. This is why having nurse malpractice insurance is a crucial investment for any nurse.

You don't have to be a victim of malpractice to be at risk - even if you're doing everything right, a patient or their family member can still file a lawsuit against you.

In fact, studies have shown that up to 75% of malpractice claims are filed against nurses who have been practicing for 10 years or less. This highlights the importance of having insurance coverage from the start of your career.

What is Nurse Malpractice Insurance?

Credit: youtube.com, Do you need malpractice insurance as a nurse? Liability insurance explained.

Nurse malpractice insurance is a type of liability insurance that protects nurses from financial losses due to lawsuits.

It's designed to cover the cost of defending against a malpractice claim, as well as any damages or settlements that may be awarded to the plaintiff.

Nurses who work in high-risk specialties, such as emergency medicine or surgery, may be required to carry higher levels of coverage.

This can help ensure that they have the financial resources needed to provide the best possible care for their patients.

The cost of nurse malpractice insurance varies depending on factors such as the nurse's level of experience, the type of care they provide, and the state in which they practice.

In some cases, employers may offer malpractice insurance as a benefit to their employees.

Nurses who are self-employed or work as independent contractors may need to purchase their own insurance policies.

Berxi Insurance

Berxi Insurance offers a range of features that make it an attractive option for nurses, including legal defense outside the limits of liability, consent to settle, and $0 deductibles.

Credit: youtube.com, NPBO™ QOW: Malpractice Confusion

One of the standout features of Berxi Insurance is its flexible insurance limits, which are based on the individual's needs. This means that nurses can choose a policy that provides the right level of coverage for their situation.

Berxi Insurance also offers convenient payment plans for select policies, making it easier for nurses to manage their insurance costs. Additionally, the company provides occurrence and claims-made policy options, as well as customizable tail coverage options for customers with claims-made policies.

In terms of the types of policies available, Berxi Insurance offers malpractice insurance for nurses, LPNs, and LVNs, as well as for nurse practitioners, student nurses, and RNs. This means that nurses can choose a policy that is tailored to their specific needs and situation.

Berxi Insurance is a reputable company that has a strong financial foundation, which is essential for providing long-term protection for nurses. By choosing Berxi Insurance, nurses can have peace of mind knowing that they have a reliable partner in place to support them in the event of a claim.

Policy Coverage and Types

Credit: youtube.com, What are Types of Medical Malpractice Insurance?

Policy coverage for nursing malpractice insurance can vary, but most policies provide up to $1 million in liability per claim. This amount can be broken down into a per-claim limit, such as $500,000, and an aggregate limit, such as $6 million.

Typical limits of liability range from $500,000 per claim/$1 million aggregate to $2 million per claim/$6 million aggregate. This means that if you're sued for $1.5 million, you'll be covered for the entire amount.

Most policies provide up to $1 million in liability per claim, but limit the total payout per insurance policy period to $6 million. This is important to understand, as it can impact the amount of coverage you have in case of a lawsuit.

There are two different types of nursing malpractice insurance policies available: claims-made policies and occurrence policies. Understanding the difference between these types of policies is crucial.

A claims-made policy covers incidents that occur during the policy period and only if the claim is reported during that period. This means that if you carried a claims-made policy in 2019 and a claim was filed against you in the same year, you're likely covered. But if a claim is filed in 2020, you wouldn't be covered.

Credit: youtube.com, Malpractice Insurance for Advanced Practitioners

An occurrence policy, on the other hand, covers any claim for treatment that occurred while the policy was in effect, regardless of whether the policy has since expired.

Here's a summary of the key differences between claims-made and occurrence policies:

Cost and Benefits

Nursing malpractice insurance is generally quite affordable, with costs starting at around $68 per year for LPNs, LVNs, and RNs.

The actual cost of your policy will depend on factors such as your years of experience, education, state(s) in which you work, and time spent on the job.

You can get a better idea of how much your nursing insurance policy could cost by taking a few minutes to get a quote now.

Cost

The cost of nurse malpractice insurance is generally quite affordable. Most nurses can get $1,000,000 of coverage for the price of about $100 per year.

The actual cost of your policy will depend on several factors, including your years of experience, education, state(s) in which you work, and time spent on the job. For example, nursing malpractice insurance for LPNs, LVNs, and RNs typically starts at around $68 per year.

Crop professional male massage therapist in green medical uniform doing therapeutic neck massage on content female patient wearing casual clothes
Credit: pexels.com, Crop professional male massage therapist in green medical uniform doing therapeutic neck massage on content female patient wearing casual clothes

Nursing malpractice insurance is generally inexpensive, with the average cost being about $100 per year. However, your actual premium price will vary depending on what underwriters view as risk factors.

The cost of nurse malpractice insurance can vary depending on several factors, including:

  • How many years of experience you have
  • Your level of education
  • The state(s) in which you work
  • Your work setting
  • How much time you spend on the job

It's worth noting that the type of policy you choose can also affect the cost. For example, a claims-made policy may be less expensive than an occurrence-based policy, which provides more extended coverage.

Benefits Multiple

Nursing malpractice insurance can provide an additional layer of financial security and peace of mind for nurses.

Nurses working for a hospital or facility are often offered substantial legal protection through their employer's malpractice policy, but individual policies can offer extra coverage.

Independent contractors and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses operating their own practices need to have their own coverage in place.

Having individual policies can help protect nurses' personal assets in case of a malpractice lawsuit.

Student Liability and Coverage

Credit: youtube.com, Nursing and Malpractice Insurance: Do You Really Need Your Own Coverage? Unveiling the Truth

As a nurse, you're not just protecting your patients, you're also protecting your future. Even student nurses can be at risk of being named in a malpractice suit for mistakes made during clinical work.

Student malpractice insurance can help protect your finances and career, even before you've started your career in healthcare. Protect your future career and present-day finances by investing in affordable student malpractice insurance through proliability.

Mistakes made while doing clinical work as a student can still get you sued, so it's essential to have coverage in place. Student Nurse Practitioners are recommended to maintain a professional policy in addition to the Student Nurse Practitioner coverage.

You can get student liability insurance through proliability, which offers coverage for both your duties as a nurse practitioner student and as an RN, based on state availability. Their policies start at about $14 per year, making it an affordable option for students.

Credit: youtube.com, Nurse Practitioner Student Liability Insurance

If you're a student nurse, you can also consider purchasing an LPN malpractice insurance policy and adding a student endorsement to it. This can provide comprehensive coverage for your needs as a student nurse.

NSO company offers malpractice insurance specifically for nursing professionals, including students, and provides additional types of insurance such as life, disability, and dental. Getting a quote from them is fast and easy, making it a convenient option for students.

High-Risk Specialties and Additional Protection

Working in high-risk specialties can expose nurses to a higher risk of malpractice claims. Nurses in labor and delivery units are particularly vulnerable, as are those in emergency departments.

Nurses who work in high-risk areas, such as labor and delivery, are at a higher risk of being sued for negligence. This is likely due to the high-stakes nature of these areas, where mistakes can have serious consequences.

Agency nurses, home health agency nurses, nursing home nurses, and independent duty nurses are also more likely to face complaints of negligence.

Do You Work in a High-Risk Specialty?

Credit: youtube.com, How at Risk Are Doctors for Malpractice Lawsuits?

Working in high-risk areas of hospitals can be particularly challenging for nurses. Nurses who work in these areas, such as labor and delivery and the emergency department, are more vulnerable to claims of negligence.

Agency nurses, home health agency nurses, nursing home nurses, and independent duty nurses are far more likely to have complaints of negligence filed against them.

Employed Seeking Additional Protection

If you're an employed nurse, you may think your employer's coverage is enough to protect you from claims. However, many nurses have discovered too late that their employer's insurance doesn't apply to actions outside the scope of their employment.

Employer coverage typically doesn't cover actions brought with the State Board of Nursing, nor does it usually apply to information privacy actions, sexual misconduct, property damage, or assault/workplace violence.

You may want to request a copy of your employer's professional liability insurance policy to determine the extent of coverage it provides to you. This will help you understand your exact degree of risk.

Credit: youtube.com, Quality Improvement, Patient Safety Events, Incident Reporting: Fundamentals of Nursing |@LevelUpRN

Here are some areas where employer coverage may not apply:

* Actions brought with the State Board of Nursing.Information privacy actions, sexual misconduct, property damage, or assault/workplace violence.

If you're not an employee, or if you're acting outside the scope of your employment, you need professional liability insurance to cover you. This includes independent contractors, volunteers, students, and advanced practice nurses who operate their own clinics or practices.

Other Factors to Consider

As you research nurse malpractice insurance, it's essential to consider several factors beyond the policy's coverage limits. A nurse's years of experience can significantly impact their insurance costs, with more experienced nurses often paying higher premiums.

A nurse's specialty is another crucial factor, with certain specialties like anesthesia and surgery typically requiring higher premiums. This is because these specialties often involve higher risks and more complex procedures.

When evaluating insurance policies, it's also important to consider the policy's deductible and coinsurance requirements. A deductible of $5,000 or more can be a significant burden for a nurse, especially if they're not prepared for it.

Hipaa Violation Defense

Credit: youtube.com, Defense for HIPAA complaint investigations

If you're facing a HIPAA violation claim, you'll be glad to know that you have access to counsel to help you navigate the situation.

Reimbursement for costs related to HIPAA proceedings is also available, including relevant HIPAA fines.

Other Factors to Consider

When thinking about your future, it's essential to consider your long-term goals and whether a particular path aligns with them.

For example, if you're considering a career change, you may need to invest in additional education or training. This could be a significant financial burden, so it's crucial to weigh the costs against the potential benefits.

Your personal circumstances can also impact your decision-making process. If you have a family or other dependents, you may need to consider how a particular choice will affect them.

Carefully evaluating your financial situation is also vital. You may need to consider factors like income stability, job security, and potential earning potential.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on a thorough assessment of your individual circumstances and priorities.

Claims and Coverage

Credit: youtube.com, What's the difference between medical malpractice occurrence vs. claims made?

Medical malpractice coverage for nurses typically includes insurance against claims of negligence or mistakes that cause bodily harm to others. This coverage provides a lawyer to defend you and funds to pay judgments or settlements.

The amount covered by typical malpractice insurance policies ranges from $500,000 per claim/$1 million aggregate to $2 million per claim/$6 million aggregate.

Claims covered by most malpractice insurance policies include bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses, and all types of personal injuries, including mental anguish. Some policies may also offer additional benefits such as first-aid expenses, assault charges, incorrect advice, and loss of income for attending trials or depositions.

Here are some examples of claims covered by nursing malpractice insurance policies:

It's worth noting that exclusions to nursing malpractice insurance policies include dishonest or criminal acts and sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment claims filed by patients.

Claim Types

Most malpractice insurance policies cover claims involving bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses, and all types of personal injuries, including mental anguish.

Credit: youtube.com, Claims-Made vs. Occurrence Coverage EXPLAINED IN FIVE MINUTES!

These policies often include additional benefits, such as first-aid expenses, assault charges, incorrect advice, and loss of income for attending trials or depositions.

First-aid expenses are a common additional benefit, helping to cover costs associated with providing medical attention.

HIPAA violations and slander/libel claims are also often covered, providing an added layer of protection for healthcare professionals.

Some policies will reimburse you for actual lost wages and any necessary expenses if you're required to attend litigation activities, such as a deposition.

The amount covered for lost wages and expenses is typically up to $1,000 per day.

Here's a breakdown of some common types of claims covered by malpractice insurance:

Claims-Made Policies

Claims-Made Policies are a type of insurance policy that can be a bit tricky to understand.

This type of policy will only cover claims for injuries if the policy was in effect when both the treatment was administered and the claim was submitted.

If you have a claims-made policy, you'll need to purchase "tail coverage" to extend the coverage period for a specific amount of time after the policy has ended. This can be a costly addition, often doubling the original premium amount.

Credit: youtube.com, What Is A Claims Made Policy?

Here are the key differences between claims-made and occurrence-type policies:

Claims-made policies are generally less expensive than occurrence-type policies, but they leave you vulnerable to claims submitted after your policy has expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is malpractice insurance per month?

Malpractice insurance costs vary widely, from as little as $10 per month for non-medical home health aides to several thousand dollars for surgeons. The cost of malpractice insurance depends on the type of healthcare professional and their specific needs.

Which malpractice insurance is best?

Choosing the best malpractice insurance depends on individual needs, but top options include The Doctors Company, MedPro Group, and ProAssurance, each offering unique coverage options and benefits. To find the best fit, consider factors like coverage limits, premium costs, and policy features.

What states require nurses to have malpractice insurance?

Nurses in the following states are required to have malpractice insurance: Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. These states mandate liability insurance to protect nurses and patients from potential medical errors.

What are the liabilities of a nurse?

A nurse's liability arises from negligence in providing medical treatment, putting patients at risk of injury. Negligent care can lead to serious consequences, making it essential for nurses to follow established protocols and standards.

Is medical malpractice insurance worth it?

Protecting your practice and personal assets from costly lawsuits is crucial, and medical malpractice insurance provides that safeguard. Consider investing in medical malpractice insurance to shield yourself from financial ruin in the event of a medical mistake.

Rosalie O'Reilly

Writer

Rosalie O'Reilly is a skilled writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. She has honed her expertise in a range of article categories, including Financial Performance Metrics, where she has established herself as a knowledgeable and reliable source. Rosalie's writing style is characterized by clarity, precision, and a deep understanding of complex topics.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.