The nurse has just obtained the licence to practise and is determining whether individual malpractice insurance is necessary.Which of the following is the most important factor in the nurse's decision to carry malpractice insurance?

A) The amount of the malpractice insurance provided by the employer.
B) Working in a critical area of nursing in which morbidity and mortality rates are high.
C) Employment status and professional liability coverage.
D) The nurse's knowledge level of Good Samaritan laws.

Question

Faith McCarthy · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  All nurses should have clear knowledge of their employment status and professional liability coverage.Publicly funded health care facilities carry malpractice insurance.The facility is considered the employer and is liable for the negligent acts of its employees as long as their actions were within their scope of practice.The amount of the malpractice insurance provided by the employer is not the most important factor in deciding about private insurance.In general,the employer's malpractice insurance coverage is much greater than private insurance coverage.The area of nursing is not the most important factor in deciding whether to carry malpractice insurance;lawsuits can occur anywhere.The nurse should be aware of Good Samaritan laws,but this would not ensure sufficient coverage for most nursing practice;therefore,it is not the most important factor in determining whether to purchase private malpractice insurance.

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