The vast majority of nurses probably ask themselves whether they need to get medical professional liability insurance. But let’s not overlook the fact that physicians are the main target demographic for these general liability packages. Because of this, nurses who are injured while on the job typically have little legal recourse. The practise of hospitals and clinics suing their own nurses for suspected negligence is not uncommon. Also, because of this, nurses must have medical professional liability insurance.
A medical caregiver’s lawsuit might cost him or her employment if it leads to the loss of licensure. Without professional liability insurance, most nurses will have no way to defend themselves in court without incurring additional costs and charges. If you are a nurse, you should purchase medical professional liability insurance. Here are some good reasons why.
This article lists compelling reasons why nurses should get medical professional liability insurance
- It is impossible to guarantee that a hospital’s policy always serves the interest of the nurses. You have a greater likelihood of becoming covered if you work for a doctor, clinic, or hospital. However, taking the risk that your employer’s general liability coverage will cover you may be a bad idea. In this situation, your best interests may not be served by the employer’s medical malpractice insurance. You need a whole team of specialists if you are held liable.
- The employer’s liability insurance does not cover complaints made by employees that are not related to an accident or injury. Patients may report nurses to the Board of Nursing if they have problems. Patients have the right to pursue nursing malpractice claims against individual nurses. Medical professional liability insurance provides you with protection from complaints to the nursing board. It also prepares you for any litigation that may particularly target you and your employer, rather than the hospital or clinic you are employed by. It is important to get licensure defence insurance in order to fight any accusations that are brought before the board.
- There are no liability benefits provided to nurses who are working as independent contractors. As long as nurses are working at respected hospitals, they are shielded to some degree by their employer’s liability coverage. However, a number of healthcare facilities use independent contractors rather than employees. Such contracts may even include terms, which insulate employers from responsibility if the nurses they recruit are not provided with appropriate care. Many of these instances leave nurses to defend themselves in the courts.The general liability claims that cascade down to them might become disastrous without adequate insurance. It is possible that the employer does not have enough medical malpractice insurance. Be sure to inquire about the clinic’s malpractice insurance if you are working for a small local clinic. If your company is sued for negligence and goes bankrupt, you might be out of luck.
- Helps to keep hospital nurses safe when volunteering or serving the public. You may volunteer as a qualified nurse to attend medical camps, and aid those who are not on the job. While working independently eliminates your liability coverage, you’re excluded from that protection if you go it alone. Having medical professional liability insurance gives you more assurance when you embark on independent medical employment.