do doctors employed by the veterans administration have to have malpractice insurance ?

Answer 1

I don't know.

My gut says, no. Here's why: 99 times out of 99, the EMPLOYER pays the malpractice coverage. The only time the doctor gets it on their own, is if they have their OWN practice. They would need it in order to have any hospital priveleges.

Also, it's my impression that many VA docs are active military, and they only practice out of VA hospitals - which would, IMO, give them some degree of governmental immunity.

These are just my guesses.

Answer 2

Most government agencies are self-insured.