Liability

[pharmquestions]

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I know that for MDs liability and "medical malpractice" lawsuits are a big concern. How big of an issue is this for pharmacists? Does the employer typically pay for liability insurance or is it the individual's problem? How much does it cost (how much comes out of your salary to cover it)?

 

[dgroulx]

I know that for MDs liability and "medical malpractice" lawsuits are a big concern. How big of an issue is this for pharmacists? Does the employer typically pay for liability insurance or is it the individual's problem? How much does it cost (how much comes out of your salary to cover it)?

It's a good idea to carry it. We are required to carry it while we are on rotations. Because I belong to ASP/APhA, I get it for free. Other students paid about $30 for a year. I'm planning on carrying my own when I graduate in May. It's dirt cheap for pharmacists.

 

[genesis09]

A lot of people at my school, during their P4 year, do join APhA-ASP just because of the free liability insurance. Once you start working, you can have your own liability insurance, along with whatever your company gives you. You might just want to have your own to protect yourself, just in case.

 

[pharmquestions]

So if I am understanding correctly, it isn't a big concern or expense?

 

[sdn1977]

A concern? Well...no - I don't work to avoid liability. The way I work avoids my chances for making an error which would result in a lawsuite. However, my liability is with me all the time & in all things I do as a pharmacist if rx related or just advice.

Yes...my employer has always paid for liability insurance. HOWEVER, their lawyers represent them - remember that. So....I've always carried my own & to the maximum of the things I do. If you own your own business, it is different than if you are an employee pharmacist than if you're consulting, etc.

So...I carry my own - I can't remember how much it costs - about $300/hr or so.

 

[pharmquestions]

Is $300/hr a typo? (300 dollars for 1 hour of coverage? Maybe I am misinterpreting what it means since if it were true you wouldn't make any money...). Did you mean $300 per month or year?

 

[dgroulx]

Is $300/hr a typo? (300 dollars for 1 hour of coverage? Maybe I am misinterpreting what it means since if it were true you wouldn't make any money...). Did you mean $300 per month or year?

I believe she meant $300 per year.

 

[rxlynn]

I know that for MDs liability and "medical malpractice" lawsuits are a big concern. How big of an issue is this for pharmacists? Does the employer typically pay for liability insurance or is it the individual's problem? How much does it cost (how much comes out of your salary to cover it)?

Every pharmacist I've ever discussed this with carries their own in addition to the employers, but it is not expensive compared to medical malpractice fees. I've actually carried a technician policy on myself for several years because I heard a lawyer discuss liability at a conference once and he said there have been several court cases where the patient went after the tech too if there was evidence to prove which tech was involved in the incident. Not a consideration if you are young and a more typical tech making 8 bucks an hour, but I own a house and have other assets in my name along with my husband's.

 

[sdn1977]

OMG - sorry! Yes....$300/yr - gads...!

That is petty change compared to my husband - his malpractice as a dentist is in the thousands per year so mine is very small!

Sorry for the typo!

Oh...& came across a typo today from a previous fill of Yasmin.....a tech had put in the sig as 1adqd - which translated into the computer as put 1 tablet in the right ear every day - I caught that one! (& it was for a physician's daughter - even worse!) Just think of the consequences😱 (fortunately - she's a smart girl😉 )

We all make mistakes - as I've said before. I'm sure my insurance company would love to have my $300/hr - but I only give them $300/yr!😀