COVID-19 Malpractice Insurance Flexibility

In light of the challenges being faced by the healthcare community as a result of COVID-19, it has come to our attention that nurse anesthetists may be asked to function in the capacity of registered nurses.

To be clear, neither the AANA nor AANA Insurance Services are suggesting that nurse anesthetists should be mandated to function as a registered nurse. However, in the event that a nurse anesthetist decides to function as a registered nurse (e.g. in any practice setting including the ICU or ED), we want to assure you that if you have your malpractice liability insurance through AANA Insurance Services, your Medical Protective (MedPro) policy provides you with coverage not only for the work you do as a nurse anesthetist but also any work you do as a registered nurse.

There is a specific endorsement on your MedPro policy titled Expanded Professional Services Endorsement. This endorsement expands the definition of “Professional Services” on your policy to include any professional services you provide as a registered nurse. Simply put, with your MedPro policy, you can work to the full licensure and scope of practice as both a nurse anesthetist and a registered nurse.^*

Please be advised if you purchased your own malpractice liability insurance policy from a company other than AANA Insurance Services, there is a very real possibility that your policy does not include coverage for any professional services you might provide as a registered nurse. Even if your agent tells you that you will be covered for the work you do as a registered nurse, be sure your agent puts that in writing to you.

If you should have any questions or need any additional information, please let us know.

^*The Extended Professional Services Endorsement is not approved in Kansas or Nebraska.