Infographic: Medical Malpractice 101 for Nurse Practitioners

What are the most common injuries that lead to a malpractice lawsuit against nurse practitioners? What is the average payout by injury? Medical malpractice lawsuits are a reality for nursing professionals. If named in a lawsuit, what should you do? These and more questions are answered!

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions. We have answers. (It's why we're here.)



What kinds of activities might trigger a disciplinary action by a licensing board or regulatory agency? 


The fact is anyone can file a complaint against you with the state board for any reason—even your own employer—and it doesn’t have to be solely connected to your professional duties. All complaints need to be taken seriously, no matter how trivial or unfounded they may appear. 


How does a shared limit policy work?


A shared limit policy is issued in the name of your professional business or company. The policy provides professional liability insurance coverage for the business entity named on the certificate of insurance and any of the employees of the business entity, provided they are a ratable profession within our program. Coverage is also provided for locum tenens professionals with whom the business entity has contracted for services the locum tenens performs for the business entity.

The business, and all eligible employees and sub-contractors you regularly employ, will be considered when determining your practice’s premium calculation and share the same coverage limits you select for the business.


We have a shared limit policy. Are employees covered if they practice outside our office?


The policy covers your employees outside the office as long as they are performing covered professional services on behalf of your business.

If your employees are moonlighting, either for pay or as a volunteer, they should carry an individual professional liability insurance policy to cover those services. Otherwise, they might not be covered for claims that arise out of these activities.



There are plenty more where those came from.


See more FAQs

More learning right here

Check out these related articles.



Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist - Improper Technique When Performing a Peribulbar and/or Retrobulbar Block

Failure to perform a post-operative assessment, failure to accurately document anesthesia complications in a medical record, and failure to complete a proper informed consent.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Case Study: Failure to conduct anesthetic of a patient during a procedure

This case study involves a CRNA working in an outpatient endoscopy center.

Medication Management for Advanced Practice Nurses: Protecting Yourself from Liability

NSO and The American Association of Nurse Attorneys is hosting a workshop on Medication Management. Attendees will obtain 3 Continuing Education Credits*.

Nurse Case Study: Alleged failure to properly assess and monitor the impaired, restrained patient

The patient was intoxicated and aggressive when brought to the ED, and had to be restrained. Shortly after an assessment check, the patient attempted to burn off his restraints with a cigarette lighter. He suffered severe burns over 25 percent of his body, resulting in permanent disability.