The Importance of Professional Liability Insurance for Nurses
Nurses provide essential care to patients every day, but even the most skilled and compassionate nurse can face unexpected legal challenges. Whether it’s a malpractice claim, a complaint to the state nursing board, or an employer-related dispute, professional liability insurance (also known as malpractice insurance) is a critical safeguard for protecting a nurse’s career and financial well-being.
Without proper coverage, nurses risk facing costly legal fees, settlements, or even losing their license in the event of a claim. Understanding how professional liability insurance works and why it’s essential can help nurses in Missouri and Kansas make informed decisions about their legal protection.
Why Nurses Need Professional Liability Insurance
Many nurses assume that they don’t need their own liability insurance because they are covered under their employer’s policy. However, relying solely on an employer’s insurance can leave nurses exposed to significant risks.
Here are some key reasons why every nurse should consider carrying individual professional liability insurance:
- Employer Coverage Has Limits – While hospitals and healthcare facilities have malpractice insurance, it primarily protects the employer—not the individual nurse. This means the employer may refuse to cover legal feesor may even hold the nurse liable for certain claims.
- Nurses Can Be Named in Lawsuits Individually – Even if an employer is sued, the nurse involved in a case may be individually named in a malpractice lawsuit, requiring personal legal defense.
- State Board Complaints Are Not Covered by Employer Insurance – If a patient, coworker, or employer files a complaint with the Missouri or Kansas State Board of Nursing, employer insurance typically does not coverthe cost of legal representation for board investigations or disciplinary hearings.
- Legal Costs Can Be Overwhelming – Defending against a malpractice claim or board complaint can be expensive. Attorney fees, court costs, and potential settlements can financially devastate a nurse without liability coverage.
- Job Loss and Reputation Damage – If a nurse is found liable in a malpractice case or receives disciplinary action from the state nursing board, it could result in license suspension, termination, or difficulty finding future employment.
Professional liability insurance helps protect nurses from these risks by covering legal defense costs, settlements, and damages arising from malpractice claims or complaints.
What Professional Liability Insurance Covers for Nurses
A comprehensive liability insurance policy provides coverage in several key areas:
- Malpractice Defense and Settlements – Covers legal defense costs and settlements if a nurse is accused of negligence, medication errors, or patient harm.
- Licensing Board Defense – Provides legal representation if a complaint is filed with the Missouri or Kansas State Board of Nursing.
- HIPAA Violation Claims – Covers legal expenses if a nurse is accused of violating patient privacy laws under HIPAA.
- Workplace Assault Protection – Some policies offer compensation if a nurse is physically assaulted by a patient or coworker.
- Defamation and Personal Injury Coverage – If a nurse is accused of making defamatory statements or emotional distress claims, liability insurance can help cover legal costs.
- Good Samaritan Coverage – Provides legal protection if a nurse provides emergency medical care outside of a work setting and is later sued.
Without individual liability insurance, nurses may be forced to pay out of pocket for these expenses, putting their finances and career at serious risk.
Common Myths About Nursing Liability Insurance
Some nurses hesitate to purchase liability insurance due to misconceptions about coverage. Here are a few common myths debunked:
- “I don’t need insurance because my employer will cover me.”
- Employer-provided insurance primarily protects the facility, not the individual nurse. If the employer believes a nurse acted outside their scope of practice or policies, they may refuse to cover legal costs.
- “Having liability insurance makes me a target for lawsuits.”
- The presence of liability insurance does not increase the likelihood of being sued. Lawsuits occur based on alleged negligence or patient harm, not whether a nurse has insurance.
- “Only doctors and hospitals get sued for malpractice, not nurses.”
- Nurses are increasingly named in malpractice lawsuits, especially in cases involving medication errors, patient neglect, or failure to properly document care.
- “I only work part-time, so I don’t need coverage.”
- Even part-time and per diem nurses can be named in malpractice claims or face board investigations. Liability risks exist regardless of the number of hours worked.
How Liability Insurance Protects Nurses in Missouri and Kansas
Both Missouri and Kansas have strict nursing regulations enforced by their respective state boards. If a patient, employer, or colleague files a complaint against a nurse, an investigation can be opened, putting the nurse’s license at risk.
A professional liability insurance policy provides legal representation for board complaints, which employer-provided insurance does not cover. Without this protection, a nurse may have to pay for their own attorney to defend against disciplinary actions, which could result in:
- License suspension or revocation
- Fines or penalties
- Probation or mandatory retraining
- Reputational damage that affects future job opportunities
What to Look for in a Nursing Liability Insurance Policy
When selecting a professional liability insurance policy, nurses should consider:
- Coverage Limits – Ensure the policy provides adequate financial protection for legal fees, settlements, and damages.
- Occurrence vs. Claims-Made Policies – Occurrence policies provide coverage for incidents that happened while the policy was active, even if the claim is filed later. Claims-made policies only cover claims filed while the policy is still in effect.
- State Board Investigation Coverage – Make sure the policy includes legal defense for nursing board complaints in Missouri and Kansas.
- Personal Liability Protection – Some policies cover legal costs for incidents outside of work, such as volunteer work or Good Samaritan acts.
How a Nursing License Defense Attorney Can Help
Even with professional liability insurance, facing a nursing malpractice lawsuit or board investigation can be overwhelming. An experienced Missouri or Kansas nursing license defense attorney can:
- Advise on the best course of action for responding to a claim
- Defend against allegations of malpractice or professional misconduct
- Represent nurses in state board disciplinary hearings
- Negotiate settlements or dismissals of complaints
- Assist with license reinstatement if disciplinary action has been taken
At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we work with nurses across Missouri and Kansas who are facing legal challenges, malpractice claims, or nursing board complaints. We provide aggressive legal representation to protect nurses’ licenses and careers.
Call Attorney Danielle Sanger For a Consultation
Don’t wait until you’re facing a malpractice lawsuit or disciplinary complaint to think about legal protection. Professional liability insurance is one of the most important investments a nurse can make in their career.
If you are facing a lawsuit, nursing board investigation, or need legal guidance on protecting your license, contact Sanger Law Office, LLC for experienced representation.
📞 Call us today for a free consultation:
(816) 520-8040 for Missouri
(785) 979-4353 for Kansas
We are here to protect your nursing license, reputation, and future.