Do Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants Need Their Own Malpractice Insurance?

In the evolving health care landscape, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) play increasingly vital roles. As their scope of practice expands, so does their exposure to potential legal risks. This raises an important question: do NPs and PAs need their own malpractice insurance?

Understanding Malpractice Insurance

Malpractice insurance, also known as professional liability insurance, can help financially protect health care providers against claims of negligence or malpractice. It can help with legal fees, settlements and judgments arising from such claims. While many health care facilities provide malpractice insurance for their employees, there are compelling reasons for NPs and PAs to consider obtaining their own coverage.

Employer-provided vs. Individual Coverage

Employer-provided malpractice insurance typically covers NPs and PAs for work performed within the scope of their employment. However, this coverage may have limitations. For instance, it might not extend to moonlighting or independent practice outside the employer’s facility. Additionally, shared limits under an employer’s policy mean that the coverage is divided among all insured parties, potentially reducing the amount available for each individual in the event of multiple claims.

Benefits of Individual Coverage

Having individual malpractice insurance offers several advantages. It can provide coverage not limited to a specific employer or practice setting. This is particularly beneficial for NPs and PAs who work in multiple locations or engage in independent practice. Individual policies also often offer higher liability limits, helping to provide adequate protection in the event of a claim.

Who We Cover:

• Nurse Practioners (NP’s)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CNRA’s)
• Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM’s)
• Certified Midwives (CNM’s)
• Physician Assistants (PA’s)

Learn More

For insurance guidance near you, contact skipp@paris-kirwan.com.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.