As a future practicing nurse, I will need to purchase malpractice insurance, and I have several concerns and questions about it. First of all, it is hard to estimate the exact amount of insurance that I may require since the amounts of money paid to different patients may vary widely (Buppert, 2008). Therefore, the question “How much malpractice insurance is enough?” remains open. Moreover, by acquiring a more significant number of responsibilities, nurse practitioners will have to pay higher premiums, which is also a concern (Gardenier et al., 2016). Furthermore, I need to consider when thinking about malpractice insurance whether it is mandatory in my state. Some healthcare employers provide malpractice insurance for their workers (Heuer et al., 2019). Therefore, I should clarify whether I need to have insurance if the hospital where I work already has it.
When purchasing insurance, I will need to ask the company whether its rates have remained stable over the years. Furthermore, I should be aware of whether my premium will increase if I receive a claim from a patient. Most importantly, I need to know what services exactly are covered under the insurance policy and what is not. Some policies cover prior acts, but some may not. It is also essential to know whether the company provides advice for a claim. I may require someone to consult with in case of an emergency, so I should have the contact numbers of insurance agents. Knowing whether I can choose my lawyers in case of a lawsuit is also crucial. The process of reporting a claim must be clearly stated in the insurance policy. Finally, I should be aware of how quickly I can receive coverage for a lawsuit from the company.
References
Buppert, C. (2008). Frequently asked questions and answers about malpractice insurance. Dermatology Nursing, 20(5), 405-406. Web.
Gardenier, D., Thomas, S. L., & O’Rourke, N. C. (2016). Will full practice authority mean higher malpractice premiums for nurse practitioners? Point/Counterpoint, 12(2), 78-79. Web.
Heuer, B., Cavender, J. D., Lofgren, M., & Dihigo, S. (2019). NAPNAP position statement on malpractice insurance for nurse practitioners. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 33(4), A11-A13. Web.