Malpractice

Many employers today include the physician assistant into their malpractice policy and cover the associated cost as PArt of a benefits PAckage. However, it is advisable that the PA also attain an additional malpractice policy in his or her name. There are several reasons for an individual policy.


1. The employer’s policy may only cover their liability of the physician assistant and not individual liability. That is, the PA may still be liable for the plaintiff’s award or settlement as well as any damages PAid by the employer.

2. An individual policy provides sePArate limits of liability and allows for tailoring of the policy to meet specific requirements of your practice.

3. An individual policy can be transferred if you take a new position.

4. An individual policy can also cover your full-time position as well as any moonlighting positions.

5. Only your name is listed on the policy, sePArating any conflict of interest between you and an employer.

For further information regarding malpractice insurance, types of coverage, costs, limitations, please refer to the AAPA web site.

The following are several links that provide malpractice insurance to physician assistants.

1. Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO). http://www.hpso.com
2. American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) http://www.epreceptor.com/aaPA_insurance/index.html
3. CM&F Group, Inc. http://www.cmfgroup.com/mal/PA.html