Is it a necessity for a nurse in CA to have her own malpractice insurance?

Question

Do hospitals or clinics provide supplmentary insurances in case one is being sued for malpractice/

Answer 1

Typically, the nurses are covered under the malpractice insurance of the hospital, clinic, or healthsystem they work for. If there is a malpractice suit, the plaintiffs' attorney will usually name any physicians involved and the hospital, clinic, or healthsystem as defendants. Unless there is a clear indication that a certain nurse fell below the standard of care, plaintiffs will just name the institution the nurse is employed under.

However, during the discovery stage in the lawsuit, if it is discovered that a certain nurse performed substandard care, plaintiffs' attorney will likely amend the complaint to specifically name the nurse as well. In either case, the nurse is still covered under the malpractice insurance plan of the health institution he/she works for.

Answer 2

Necessary? No. Advisable? Yes.

Both the CNA and the various LVN and Nurse Aide unions provide group coverage which is pretty cheap.

Richard