Malpractice insurance is not just for doctors. Nurses and physician assistants also need it, because they work closely with patients and sometimes make big decisions in treatment. Even if they follow all the rules, something can still go wrong. A patient might blame them, and that can lead to a lawsuit. Having malpractice insurance helps protect their job, their money, and their future.
Nurses do a lot more than just follow orders. Many of them give medicine, monitor patients, and handle emergencies. Some nurse practitioners can even diagnose illnesses and prescribe drugs. With that kind of responsibility comes risk. If a nurse gives the wrong dose or forgets to report a symptom, a patient could get worse. Even if the nurse didn’t mean to cause harm, they could still be blamed.
Physician assistants also take on big roles. They help doctors, perform exams, give treatment, and sometimes even assist in surgeries. In many clinics, patients see the physician assistant more than the doctor. This means they’re involved in important care steps. If a mistake happens—like a wrong diagnosis or a delay in treatment—the PA could be the one facing the lawsuit.
Some nurses and PAs believe their employer’s insurance will protect them. But that’s not always enough. The hospital or clinic’s insurance mainly protects the company, not the individual. If the hospital gets sued, they might defend themselves first. The nurse or PA might be left to hire their own lawyer and pay for it. That’s why many choose to get personal malpractice insurance on top of whatever their job provides.
Personal insurance gives you your own lawyer and your own coverage. It follows you even if you change jobs. Some policies even cover legal advice if someone files a complaint with your state board, not just lawsuits. That can be a huge help if you ever face a license investigation.
The cost for nurses and physician assistants is usually lower than for doctors. A registered nurse might pay around $100 to $300 per year, depending on location and risk. A nurse practitioner or PA, who does more medical tasks, might pay between $800 and $2,000 per year. It’s a small price to pay compared to the cost of a legal battle.
Many insurance companies offer plans made just for nurses and PAs. They know the risks and offer features like license protection, legal defense, and coverage for mistakes made during normal care. Some even give discounts if you’ve never been sued before or if you take a safety course.
Having malpractice insurance is not about expecting to make a mistake. It’s about being ready just in case. Nurses and PAs work hard and help save lives, but they also carry a lot of responsibility. One wrong step, even by accident, can lead to serious trouble. With the right insurance, you can do your job with more peace of mind, knowing you’re protected if something goes wrong.
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