Professional Liability Insurance Research Articles

Legal Regulation оf Insurance оf Clinical Trials оf Medicinal Products іn Ukraine

The article examines the current state and prospects of development of insurance for clinical trials of medicinal products in Ukraine, and also substantiates the need to introduce certain types of insurance in this area. As a result of a systematic analysis of current legislation, scientific literature and international acts, the author classifies persons participating in clinical trials of medicinal products into: 1) clinical trial subjects and 2) participants of such a scientific and medical experiment. In addition, the author outlines the main risks that arise for individual trial participants throughout the entire dynamics of clinical trials of medicines and proposes to minimize them by: changing the regulatory approach to making insurance mandatory by clarifying the subject matter of the insurance contract (insurance of liability of the investigator and sponsor of clinical trials); introduction of property insurance and liability insurance of manufacturers of medicinal products with state support; introduction of professional liability insurance of the investigator/co-investigator of clinical trials of medicinal products; introduction of insurance of investment and financial risks in the field of clinical trials of medicinal products with state support. It is also established that the peculiarities of the legal status of clinical trial participants, the specifics of their interests, and the need to participate in the trial influence the formation of the theory of multiple risks arising in the course of a clinical trial of a medicinal product and can be manifested as cases with negative consequences. The theory of multiple risks makes it possible to group them into different areas depending on the criterion of personalization (status of a person participating in a medical experiment: subject/ participant): 1) personal risks; 2) property risks; 3) liability risks.

Reducing the Risk of Delayed Colorectal Cancer Diagnoses Through an Ambulatory Safety Net Collaborative

An estimated 12 million adults in the United States experience delayed diagnoses and other diagnostic errors annually. Ambulatory safety nets (ASNs) are an intervention to reduce delayed diagnoses by identifying patients with abnormal results overdue for follow-up using registries, workflow redesign, and patient navigation. The authors sought to co-design a collaborative and implement colorectal cancer (CRC) ASNs across various health care settings. A working group was convened to co-design implementation guidance, measures, and the collaborative model. Collaborative sites were recruited through a medical professional liability insurance program and chose to begin with developing an ASN for positive at-home CRC screening or overdue surveillance colonoscopy. The 18-month Breakthrough Series Collaborative ran from January 2022 to July 2023, with sites continuing to collect data while sustaining their ASNs. Data were collected from sites monthly on patients in the ASN, including the proportion that was successfully contacted, scheduled, and completed a follow-up colonoscopy. Six sites participated; four had an operational ASN at the end of the Breakthrough Series, with the remaining sites launching three months later. From October 2022 through February 2024, the Collaborative ASNs collectively identified 5,165 patients from the registry as needing outreach. Among patients needing outreach, 3,555 (68.8%) were successfully contacted, 2,060 (39.9%) were scheduled for a colonoscopy, and 1,504 (29.1%) completed their colonoscopy. The Collaborative successfully identified patients with previously abnormal CRC screening and facilitated completion of follow-up testing. The CRC ASN Implementation Guide offers a comprehensive road map for health care leaders interested in implementing CRC ASNs.

Medical professional liability insuarance

The aim of the study is to form an integrated approach to understanding the context and legal necessity of medical professional liability insurance.
 The methodological basis of the study is a set of scientific techniques and methods of scientific knowledge, including dialectical, historical-legal, logical-legal, system-structural, method of forecasting and comparative jurisprudence. Dialectical method has provided opportunities to analyze scientific positions regarding the content and development of medical professional liability insurance. Historical-legal method helps to study the genesis of the development of insurance in specific historical and legal situations, the development of theoretical scientific thought and legislation. The method of comparative law is used to study the legislative and regulatory acts of Ukraine and other countries in the world as well as to clarify the advantages and disadvantages of the mechanism of legal regulation the insurance of medical professional liability in various countries in the world. Systemic and structural methods have helped to clarify the content of the contracts connected with this kind of insurance. Formal-logical method has allowed analyzing the provisions of the legislation of Ukraine in the sphere of this type of insurance.
 Results. This study contains a comprehensive scientific analysis of modern problems of medical professional liability insurance. The elements of the medical professional liability insurance contract are defined, namely: subject matter, insured, beneficiary, insurance risk, insurance event, conditionals of insurance compensation payment. It is stipulated that medical professional liability insurance contract shall have separate grounds for refusal to pay insurance compensation, inherent only to this type of insurance. It is shown that this type of insurance helps to manage the risks in medical practice activities. The concept of this type of insurance has been researched. The conditions to terminate the medical professional liability insurance have been identified.
 Conclusions. Having considered the issues of medical professional liability insurance and examined the conditions of the medical professional liability insurance contract, it has been made a conclusion that it is necessary to introduce this type of insurance as mandatory for healthcare institutions and private practitioners. It has been proposed to introduce compulsory medical professional liability insurance by approving necessary alterations the valid legislation.

DOCTOR’S PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE IN CIVIL LEGAL ORDER

This article talks about the importance and relevance of civil regulation of doctor’s professional liability insurance today. The economic, social and legal consequences of the lack of regulation of these relations are analyzed on the basis of statistical data and foreign experience. The level of regulation of medical professional liability insurance in the Republic of Uzbekistan and the analysis of regulatory legal documents are discussed.

OBJECT AND SUBJECTS OF PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE OF DOCTORS

This article discusses constitutional guarantees, the object and subjects of medical professional liability insurance. The issue of the rights and obligations of subjects of medical professional liability insurance is also analyzed through research by domestic and foreign scientists.

FEATURES OF COMPULSORY PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE AND ITS ROLE IN INSURANCE RELATIONS

This article analyzes the features of compulsory professional liability insurance. The role of compulsory professional liability insurance in insurance relations is revealed.

Specificity of categorial instruments insurance responsibility of medical workers

In Ukraine, the institution of insurance for medical workers’ liability has not gained significant prevalence due to imperfect legal regulation. From a legal perspective, a medical worker is considered in two dimensions: as a general subject of committing offenses and as someone associated with acquiring professional skills (including relevant education, experience, qualification levels), known as professional crimes. The term “professional responsibility” is used in certain regulatory legal acts, but its definition is absent. However, the Law of Ukraine “On Insurance” in Article 7 establishes professional liability insurance as one of the types of compulsory insurance for individuals whose activities may cause harm to third parties, according to a list determined by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine [1]. Unfortunately, at present, this list has not been defined, thus there is no obligation for owners of healthcare institutions and private medical practitioners to insure their professional responsibility towards third parties, namely patients. This is also influenced by the lack of unity in understanding the fundamental concepts used in the legal regulation of such insurance. “Medical error,” “professional risk,” and “professional responsibility” are the problematic issues explored in our work. Insurance of medical workers’ professional liability is a type of civil legal relationship aimed at protecting the property interests of medical workers and healthcare institutions in the event of certain events defined by the insurance contract or current legislation. The analysis of the main legislative and theoretical provisions regarding specific legal norms of insurance of medical workers’ responsibility has allowed us to formulate our own definitions that can be applied in the legal field.

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE OF MEDICAL WORKERS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

The article is devoted to a close analysis of the legal prerequisites of the system of professional liability insurance of medical workers being introduced in the Republic of Kazakhstan. To achieve this goal, the authors conducted a review of the best world practices, foreign legal models of the use of insurance for legislative protection of medical workers from the risks of professional responsibility. The article summarizes the material related to the legal basis of this type of insurance in the country, the procedure for insurance and compensation for damage caused, the scope of the powers and responsibilities of the parties involved in insurance. According to the plan, starting from 2023, it is proposed to introduce compulsory insurance at the expense of employers, and from 2025 – joint insurance, which provides for the distribution of the amount of the insurance premium between a medical organization and a medical worker, which will lead to general professional responsibility, will have a positive impact on improving the quality of services provided, will become an effective tool for reducing conflict in medical organizations. Considerable attention is paid in the article to the models of professional liability insurance of medical workers in Turkey, Canada, Sweden. In this regard, the authors investigated the role of mutual insurance societies and specialized medical associations in concluding professional liability insurance contracts in these countries. This approach allows the authors to consider the possibilities of applying successful foreign practices in Kazakhstan and identify promising areas of their legal support. The article reveals the problems of10.52026/2788-5291_2023_73_2_53 determining the maximum amount of the insurer's liability for an insured event at the initial stage of the introduction of the insurance system, procedural provision of insurance payments and other guarantees provided by law. As a result of the study, the authors put forward a hypothesis about the need to consolidate the joint responsibility of a medical worker and a medical institution, which will ensure the mutual interest of all subjects of the healthcare system in providing quality services to the population.

The Effect of Professional Liability Insurance on Health Service Provision of Physicians

Amaç: Türkiye’de 2010 yılından bu yana zorunlu olarak uygulanan mesleki sorumluluk sigortasının hekimlerin sağlık hizmeti sunumu üzerindeki etkisini belirlemektir. Örneklem ve Yöntem: Bu kapsamda Ankara İlinde faaliyet gösteren tüm kamu hastaneleri ile ağız ve diş sağlığı merkezlerinden araştırma izini alınan toplam 22 hastane ile 2 ağız ve diş sağlığı merkezinde görev yapan hekimler arasından rastgele örnekleme yöntemiyle seçilen 15 cerrahi branş, 13 dahili branş ve 2 acil servis hekimi olmak üzere 30 hekim örneklemi oluşturmuştur. Nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden yüz yüze görüşmeye dayalı tümevarım analiz yöntemi kullanılmış ve yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniğinden yararlanılmıştır. Alan yazın incelemesi, uzman kişilerin görüşleri ve pilot uygulama sonucunda oluşturulan 11 soruluk görüşme formu ile hekimlerin mesleki sorumluluk sigortası hakkındaki görüş ve önerileri incelenmiştir. Bulgular: Katılımcı hekimlerin 18’i erkek, 12’si kadın, yaş ortalaması 42 ve mesleki deneyim süreleri 3 yıl ile 33 yıl arasında değişmektedir. Katılımcıların görüşlerinin analizi sonucunda, “mesleki sorumluluk sigortasının etkisi” ana teması altında “hekimlik güvencesi”, sağlık hizmetinin niteliği”, teminatların yeterliliği” ve “hekimleri mesleki sorumluluk sigortasıyla ilgili önerileri” alt temaları oluşturulmuştur. Sonuç: Verilerin çözümlenmesinden elde edilen sonuçlar incelendiğinde, cerrahi ve dahili branş hekimlerinin mesleki sorumluluk sigortasının olumlu etkilerinin yanında olumsuz etkilerinden de bahsettikleri görülmüştür. Olumlu etkiler çoğunlukla hasta transferlerinin, sevklerin azalması, hekimlerde güvenlik duygusunun güçlenmesi etrafında şekillenirken, olumsuz etkilerin de hekimlere yönelik teminatların yeterli düzeyde olmaması, dahası hastalar ya da yakınları tarafından avukatların yönlendirmesiyle mesleki sorumluluk sigortasının suiistimal edilebileceğine odaklandığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

Opportunity Cost of Vitreoretinal Surgeries.

Purpose: To compare physician reimbursements for vitreoretinal surgeries with office-based patient care. Methods: A theoretical model was performed comparing physician work reimbursements for the 10 most common vitreoretinal surgeries with office-based work relative value units (wRVUs) that could have been generated during the same global time period. The reference physician was modeled at 40 patients per 8-hour workday. A lower volume physician and higher volume physician were modeled at 30 patients/day and 50 patients/day, respectively. The reimbursement rates and allocated times for surgery were based on the 2021 values set by Medicare, and the average wRVU per office visit was based on 2021 real-world data from the Vestrum Retinal Healthcare Database. Results: In the reference case, performing any of the 10 most common vitreoretinal surgeries was associated with an opportunity cost with a weighted mean of 49% (range, 40%-68%) relative to lost office productivity. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) allocated a weighted mean intraservice time of 73 minutes; however, the reference physician would have to complete the surgery with a weighted average of 5 minutes (range, -31-12 minutes) for surgical wRVUs to equal office-based reimbursements. Performing these 10 surgeries was associated with a 25% opportunity cost even for the lower volume physician and 61% for the higher volume physician. Probability sensitivity analysis with a range of conditions identified opportunity costs from surgery in over 99% of simulated scenarios. Conclusions: Medicare reimbursements for the physician work component of vitreoretinal surgeries represented a significant opportunity cost for the physician relative to office-based patient care of equivalent time, especially for busier physicians. The model did not explore practice overhead and professional liability insurance, which are factored separately by CMS and may influence the opportunity cost depending on utilization. The average threshold surgery times for surgical reimbursements to equal office-based reimbursements may be difficult to achieve.

Comparison of Value per Operative Time between Primary and Revision Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Retrospective cohort study. To compare the relative value units (RVUs) per minute of operative time between primary and revision surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD). Surgery for ASD is technically demanding and has high risks of complications and revision rates. This common need for additional surgery can increase the overall cost of care for ASD. RVU is used to calculate reimbursement from Medicare and to determine physician payments nationally. In calculating RVUs, the physician's work, the expenses of the physician's practice, and professional liability insurance. Cost effectiveness of surgeries for ASD have been evaluated, except for RVUs per minute compared between primary and revision surgery. Data were obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients aged ≥18 years who underwent surgery for spinal deformity between 2011 and 2019 were identified and included. To ensure a homogenous patient cohort, those who underwent anterior-only and concurrent anterior-posterior fusions were excluded. Propensity score matching analysis was performed, and Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test were used to compare matched cohorts as appropriate. A total of 326 patients who underwent revision surgery were matched with 206 primary surgery patients via propensity score matching. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory values, and readmission and reoperation rates were not significantly different between groups. The revision surgery group had significantly higher mean RVUs per minute than that of the primary surgery group (0.331 vs. 0.249, p <0.001), as well as rates of morbidity and blood transfusion. Compared to primary surgery, revision surgery for ASD is associated with significantly higher RVUs per minute and total RVUs and higher rates of 30-day morbidity and blood transfusions. Readmission and reoperation rates are similar between surgeries.

The association of physician assistant/associate demographic and practice characteristics with perceptions of value of certification

BackgroundTo determine physician assistant/associate (PA) perceptions of the value of certification and explore how they vary across demographic and practice characteristics.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional online survey between March and April 2020 with PAs participating in the longitudinal pilot program for recertification administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). The survey was distributed to 18,147 PAs, of which 10,965 participated (60.4% response rate). In addition to descriptive statistics, chi-square tests were conducted on demographics and specialty to examine if perceptions of value of certification (1 global and 10 items measuring specific domains) were associated with a particular PA profile. A series of fully adjusted multivariate logistic regressions were performed, exploring the relationship between PA characteristics and the value of certification items.ResultsMost PAs strongly agreed/agreed that certification helps with fulfilling licensure requirements (9,578/10,893; 87.9%), helps with updating medical knowledge (9,372/10,897; 86.0%), and provides objective evidence of continued competence (8,875/10,902; 81.4%). The items receiving the lowest percentage of responses for strongly agreeing/agreeing were for certification providing no value (1,925/10,887; 17.7%), helping with professional liability insurance (5,076/10,889; 46.6%), and competing with other providers for clinical positions (5,661/10,905; 51.9%). Age 55 and older and practicing in dermatology and psychiatry were among the strongest predictors of less favorable views. PAs from underrepresented in medicine (URiM) backgrounds had more positive perceptions.ConclusionsOverall, the findings indicate that PAs value certification; however, perceptions varied by demographics and specialties. PAs who were younger, from URiM backgrounds, and practicing in primary care specialties had among the most favorable perspectives. Continued feedback monitoring is critical in ensuring certification is relevant and meaningful in supporting PAs across demographics and specialties. Measuring PA perceptions of the value of certification is essential to understanding how to support the PA profession's current and future credentialing needs and those who license and hire PAs.

Taking on the Medical Director Role: Risk Management Considerations

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Government & LegalFull AccessTaking on the Medical Director Role: Risk Management ConsiderationsGloria Umali, R.N., M.S., C.P.H.R.M.Gloria UmaliSearch for more papers by this author, R.N., M.S., C.P.H.R.M.Published Online:25 Feb 2023https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2023.03.3.18AbstractBeing a medical director as well as a treating psychiatrist may be an exciting career move, but it raises a number of liability issues that you need to think through before accepting the position.iStock/SinenkiyIt is not uncommon to hear of psychiatrists taking on a medical directorship role while providing direct care to their own patients. Psychiatrists have many reasons for assuming this role; however, the passion to serve, loyalty to and a strong connection with an organization, and financial freedom are often cited as the main motivators.While being a medical director is undoubtedly rewarding, there are aspects of the role that psychiatrists need to consider from a medical malpractice standpoint. It is imperative that psychiatrists understand the legal, regulatory, and professional liability coverage issues associated with being a medical director. Although the role of a treating psychiatrist and the role of a medical director both fundamentally require clinical training and competency, each role may differ. Psychiatrists performing a dual role may believe that the coverage from the existing professional liability insurance policy automatically extends to their role as a medical director without realizing that certain arrangements compound their liability exposures and therefore leave an unintended gap in coverage.Furthermore, what it means to be a medical director and how to acceptably stay within the agreed-upon scope of responsibilities can be confusing and tricky to navigate. To decrease the risk of practicing outside of scope, psychiatrists need to understand the usual responsibilities of a medical director and take the time to thoroughly review the scope of responsibilities outlined in their specific contract. A medical director’s typical responsibilities include administrative duties such as management of medical staff matters, development of organizational policies, oversight of clinical operations and compliance with regulatory requirements, and quality improvement activities. Depending on the arrangement, it may not be easy to discern that a medical director might also be held accountable for everything that happens in the facility.If you are thinking about taking on a medical directorship role, here are some points for your consideration:Ensure you have insurance coverage for the dual role as a medical director and treating psychiatrist.Identify duties and responsibilities not covered under your basic professional liability coverage agreement to delineate the coverage necessary for the medical directorship role.Do not assume that your medical professional liability insurance policy covers your actions as a medical director. Notify your medical malpractice carrier if considering a medical directorship position to review possible changes in the current coverage.Confirm that the duties and responsibilities outlined in the contract are within your scope of practice and expertise.Delegate and oversee only those medical tasks and clinical operations that are consistent with your scope of practice and specialty.Verify that your contractual arrangements do not violate state or federal laws.Conduct proper due diligence by performing research on the facility’s quality rating, care standards, and performance before accepting the position.Ensure resources are available to adequately fulfill and execute your assigned duties and responsibilities. Being a medical director is both an honor and a privilege. It gives psychiatrists the perfect opportunity to satisfy the passion for serving their patients while fulfilling civil community responsibilities. However, performing the dual role as a psychiatrist and a medical director requires due diligence to avoid needless risk and liability exposures. ■This information is provided as a risk management resource for Allied World policyholders and should not be construed as legal or clinical advice. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without the express, written permission of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd, a Fairfax company (“Allied World”). Risk management services are provided by or arranged through AWAC Services Company, a member company of Allied World. © 2023 Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.Gloria Umali, R.N., M.S., C.P.H.R.M., is assistant vice president of the Risk Management Group of AWAC Services Company, a member company of Allied World. Risk Management services are provided as an exclusive benefit to insureds of the APA-endorsed American Professional Agency Inc. liability insurance program. ISSUES NewArchived

Sustainable Insurance and Professional Liability: An Empirical Analysis

Professional liability insurance combines types of property insurance for several categories of individuals who may cause material harm to third parties as a result of their professional activities. As market rivalry has strengthened with the development of a market economy, the demand for insurance protection has increased, and the presence of a professional liability insurance policy boosts the prestige and confidence of a professional in the eyes of his clients and business partners.&#x0D; In many nations throughout the world, professional liability insurance is a burgeoning insurance industry that brings profit to insurance firms and helps professionals maintain their activity and business stability.&#x0D; Given that professional liability insurance is becoming a strategically significant area of insurance, it is pertinent to examine the problems and prospects of its development, which largely determined the research task: empirical analysis determined the level of influence of factors affecting the development of professional liability; based on the analysis of the state of professional responsibility in the insurance market, the problems of the development of the sub-sectors were identified.&#x0D; Keywords: professional risk, insurance, object of insurance, professionalism, factor analysis

Professional Liability Insurance as an Alternative to Notary Legal Protection from the Legal Consequences of Insolvency Related to Errors in Making Authentic Deeds

According to Law 2 /2014 concerning amendments to Law 30/2004, notaries are public officials who have the authority to make authentic deeds and other authorities. Furthermore, authentic deeds are evidence with perfect strength in court, as long as it complies with the regulation. Therefore, a notary's mistakes in doing an authentic deed can cause loss to the service user. The notary can be sued for compensation and insolvency if they cannot compensate for those losses due to their financial limitation. This issue raises questions regarding the legal impacts of an insolvency decision on a notary and whether professional liability insurance can protect a notary from the legal impact of an insolvency decision on a notary. From this normative juridical research, the authors conclude that first, insolvency causes a notary to their position as a public official, and second, a notary can use professional liability insurance as a risk transfer mechanism. Keywords: insolvency; liability; insurance; law; notary.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

The article analyzes the socio-economic importance of professional liability insurance. In this, the role of this type of insurance is revealed based on the legislation of the buyer countries. Areas where professional indemnity insurance applies are also discussed.

Features of medical professional liability insurance

This article analyzes the features of professional liability of a medical worker as a type of property liability and determines its specifics,taking into account the experience of Italian legislation. Professional liability is the property liability of specialists of various professions, whoseinsufficient qualifications, errors and omissions as a result of imprudence or negligence can cause damage to the client. Professional responsibility isinextricably linked with the categories «profession», the personality of a specific natural person who possesses the necessary special knowledge andqualifications, experience and business qualities and characteristics. Professional liability insurance of a medical worker is intended for insurance protection of doctors against adverse financial consequences arising from legal harassment, detection by a third party (victim) in connection with the occurrence of damage (damages) caused as a result of an error, negligence committed by a doctor in the process of execution him of medicalprofessional duties. Taking into account that in Ukraine, when a medical worker causes damage, we refer to Part 1 of Article 1172 of the Civil Codeof Ukraine, which states that a legal entity or an individual shall compensate for the damage caused by their employee during the performance of his work (official) duties. Problems arise with proving the guilt of a medical worker. Of course, it is necessary to prove the composition of the offense, however, it has long been known that the courts decide this issue at their discretion, and the amounts of compensation for material and especially moral damage are still ridiculous, but it is difficult to prove in the plane of cause and effect. We believe that a rather significant problem is that neither commercial organizations,nor state or communal enterprises consider it necessary to offer a compromise solution to the victims without a trial at all, because they are sure that the case will last a long time and in the worst case the compensation will be insignificant or not at all will be assigned. It is also a problemthat in most medical cases, witnesses are medical workers who have been connected by employment relations with the defendant, or are even friendswith the medical worker. In particular, according to Art. 1172 of the Civil Code of Ukraine, in most cases, the medical institution is responsible for the material and moral damage caused by the medical worker as a result of failure to perform his duties to the patient. Thus, the situation in Ukraine willnot change without the introduction of medical worker liability insurance.

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

The article analyzes the legislation on professional liability insurance. There is a tendency to introduce compulsory civil liability insurance by notaries, appraisers, auditors, court administrators. The author comes to the conclusion that the introduction of mandatory liability insurance of persons engaged in medical activities is the most optimal mechanism for ensuring the fulfillment of obligations.

A Survey of Orientation and Mobility Specialist's Use of Telepractice During COVID-19.

Introduction: This survey sought to establish a baseline for the remote delivery of services (telepractice) by orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists nationwide, which became pervasive in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: An online survey was distributed using professional email lists and then used snowball sampling to obtain a convenience sample. The survey was completed by 66 O&M specialists using telepractice at the time of the survey, the primary criterion for inclusion. Results: Engaging in telepractice was a direct result of the pandemic for 90.77% of the participants. Most professionals' caseloads remained relatively similar to the size they were prior to the pandemic (69.70%), and instruction used a one-on-one model (90.77%). For the most part, professionals were teaching conceptual knowledge rather than actual travel skills using video conferencing software. Most participants indicated they had not received training in telepractice (81.25%). Only 20.00% of participants found telepractice for O&M satisfactory, but 26.16% of participants indicated they would probably continue using telepractice after the pandemic. Most participants (72.13%) were unsure if they were covered by professional liability insurance. Discussion: Most participants were thrust into telepractice and very few received training in telepractice. It is likely that the tools used were tools of convenience. Despite a lack of preparation and lukewarm satisfaction levels, a noteworthy percentage of respondents intend to continue to use telepractice after the end of the pandemic. The liability risks associated with this new model have not been widely assessed. Implications for Practitioners: The most effective tools for O&M telepractice have not yet been identified. Practitioners and researchers can work together to develop and promote promising practices and tools for O&M telepractice. Professional liability should always be investigated before providing services. A tool for professionals to assess risk should be developed.

Risks of practicing without professional liability insurance.

This article discusses the risks of practicing without professional liability insurance and offers recommendations for nurses, especially those facing a state board of nursing investigation, malpractice lawsuit, or criminal charge.