Have questions about your nursing professional liability insurance? Don’t worry, we’ve got answers! Coverage may seem complex, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s dive into five common questions regarding coverage.
1. What is my NSO malpractice insurance policy designed to cover?
The policy offers these key features:
- Professional Liability Limits (up to $1 million per claim / $6 million annual aggregate)
- Licensure Defense Expenses (up to $25,000 annual aggregate)
- Proceeding Expense Reimbursement (up to $25,000 annual aggregate / $1,000 per day)
- Information Privacy (HIPAA) (up to $25,000 annual aggregate)
- Subpoena Assistance Costs (up to $10,000 annual aggregate)
View a complete list of
policy features and descriptions.
2. What is the difference between an individual NSO malpractice insurance policy and employer provided coverage?
There are important distinctions between your NSO malpractice coverage and your employer-provided insurance. Identifying these key differences illustrates the crucial role individual malpractice insurance plays in helping to safeguard your career, license, and financial future. Your employer’s plan may only deliver partial coverage, leaving you exposed to various risks.
Employer-provided malpractice policies differ. Some common features include:
- Professional liability limits that may be shared with other healthcare providers (this may not be adequate coverage if a claim occurs).
- May not include license protection (your employer could be the one to file a complaint against your license!)
- May not include portability (coverage is likely only offered while at the place of employment under an employer’s policies and procedures)
- May not provide 24/7/365 coverage while providing professional services, including volunteer work (likely only offers coverage while you are on the clock)
The NSO Malpractice Policy offers the following:
- Professional liability limits (focused entirely on you)
- Licensure defense expenses (reimbursement for legal representation to defend a license complaint) )
- Portability (if you move, switch jobs, or volunteer, you retain your policy!)
- 24/7/365 coverage while providing professional services, including volunteer work
- Your own defense attorney for professional liability coverage (looking out for your best interest, if needed to represent you in court against covered career-threatening claims.)
It’s key to understand that employer-provided insurance may be designed to protect the employer. In the event of a malpractice lawsuit, if there is a conflict of interest, your position may be at risk. Meanwhile, with individual professional liability insurance through NSO, your best interest is the priority.
It is important to understand the extent to which licensure defense expenses coverage available under an individual malpractice policy may differ from that provided by an employer. In addition to the risk of a medical malpractice lawsuit, a board complaint can be made against your license for any reason by anyone - a patient, family member, your employer, or even a colleague. Employer-provided policies may not offer coverage for defense expenses in a license matter because
it may be your employer who submits the complaint. You could be left to deal with a costly and emotionally tolling license defense matter on your own. That’s why NSO offers licensure defense expenses coverage as part of its malpractice policy. We understand how hard you’ve worked for your license and what it represents – your livelihood, career and ability to practice. We’re passionate about helping protect what you’ve worked diligently to achieve and putting your needs first.
3. When would I need to file a claim?
Knowing when and how to file a claim can be a stressful experience. When it comes to malpractice claims, it’s important to err on the side of caution and report an incident, even if it may seem insignificant.
Some claim scenarios include:
- Incident involving professional liability, license protection, or assault
- If you receive a summons or letter of intent, or subpoena for deposition
- If you are involved in an incident that you believe may result in a lawsuit
It never hurts to be proactive in your approach. Whether you have been contacted about a lawsuit or suspect that you may be notified in the future, it is important to provide notice of an incident immediately to NSO. You’ve invested time, energy, and funds towards your nursing license and career, and all complaints should be taken seriously, no matter how trivial or unfounded they may initially appear!
If you have been notified of a lawsuit or potential lawsuit, anticipate one, or have any related questions or concerns, you can submit an
online contact form or call us at
1-800-247-1500 (Monday – Friday, 8 am – 6 pm ET). For more information, explore our
claims guide for helpful guidance.
4. I just submitted a malpractice claim. What happens next?
A claims professional from CNA, our underwriting partner, will contact you by phone within 24-48 hours to explain next steps. Be prepared to provide the claims professional with as much information as possible involving the incident.
It is important that you
do not speak with others about the claim.
5. How long does my NSO malpractice insurance last? What happens after the policy ends?
Subject to the policy’s terms and conditions, a NSO malpractice insurance policy is active for one year. The online application and renewal processes are simple; you can get a quote and renew in minutes.
Eligible policyholders will receive renewal information prior to the expiration of the policy period. Certain changes require disclosure at renewal, such as a change in employment status from employed to self-employed or part-time to full-time, going back to school, graduating, or starting a business or practice. These changes may impact eligibility, premium and terms.
Have more questions or need assistance?
If you have any additional questions or concerns about nursing professional liability insurance, NSO is here to help! Explore our
detailed FAQs or get in touch with our support team today by calling
1-800-247-1500 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm ET) or emailing
[email protected]. We’ll be happy to assist you!
This publication is intended to inform Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., customers of potential liability in their practice. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide individualized guidance. All descriptions, summaries or highlights of coverage are for general informational purposes only and do not amend, alter or modify the actual terms or conditions of any insurance policy. Coverage is governed only by the terms and conditions of the relevant policy. Any references to non-Aon, AIS, NSO, HPSO websites are provided solely for convenience, and Aon, AIS, NSO and HPSO disclaims any responsibility with respect to such websites. This information is not intended to offer legal advice or to establish appropriate or acceptable standards of professional conduct. Readers should consult with a lawyer if they have specific concerns. Neither Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., NSO, nor CNA assumes any liability for how this information is applied in practice or for the accuracy of this information.
Nurses Service Organization is a registered trade name of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., a licensed producer in all states (TX 13695); (AR 100106022); in CA, MN, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (CA 0795465); in OK, AIS Affinity Insurance Services, Inc.; in CA, Aon Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., (CA 0G94493), Aon Direct Insurance Administrators and Berkely Insurance Agency and in NY, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency.