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Professional liability insurance is something most nurse practitioners know they need — but how well do we actually understand the coverage protecting our licenses and practices?
Earlier this year, the New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Council (NMNPC) surveyed approximately 8,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) across the state to better understand malpractice insurance coverage and premium trends. Only 210 NPs responded, for a response rate of 2.6%. Because of the low response rate, the results cannot be generalized to New Mexico's broader NP workforce. But the responses raised a different—and perhaps more important—question than the one we initially set out to answer: do nurse practitioners understand their own malpractice coverage?
Among respondents who reported practicing in New Mexico, approximately 1in 4 could not identify their malpractice insurance carrier. About 1 in 4 also did not know whether they had an occurrence or claims-made policy, and approximately 1 in 5 did not know their liability limits. Even more striking, roughly 1 in 3 did not know whether they participated in the New Mexico Patient Compensation Fund (PCF). Those numbers deserve our attention.
Many NPs receive malpractice coverage through their employer rather than purchasing an individual policy, which may help explain some of the uncertainty. In the survey, employer-paid coverage was common. But having coverage through an employer does not eliminate the need to understand that coverage.
Every NP should be able to answer some basic questions: Who is my malpractice carrier? Is my policy occurrence-based or claims-made? What are my per-claim and aggregate liability limits?
If my policy is claims-made, who is responsible for tail coverage when my employment ends? Does my coverage extend to every setting and service in which I practice? Are additional endorsements necessary for procedures or other services I provide? Am I covered through—or eligible to participate in—the New Mexico Patient Compensation Fund?
These questions become especially important as NP practice continues to evolve. Many NPs work in multiple settings, provide telehealth services, perform procedures, own practices or offer services that may carry different liability considerations. Assuming that "my employer covers me" is not the same as understanding the scope and limitations of that protection.
The survey was originally intended to help NMNPC better understand malpractice coverage and premium trends. Reported premiums varied considerably, and the low response rate prevents us from drawing broad conclusions about the New Mexico malpractice market. What the survey did identify, however, is an opportunity for education. Respondents demonstrated uncertainty about several fundamental components of professional liability coverage — that is something NMNPC can address.
Professional liability insurance should not be something we think about only when renewing a policy, changing jobs or facing a claim. Understanding your coverage is part of protecting your professional practice.
Could you answer these questions about your malpractice insurance today?
If not, now is a good time to find out. NMNPC will continue this conversation during Think It Through Thursday on October 22, when Gloria Doherty, PhD, PPPA, MSN, RN, AHNS, ACNP-BC, FAANP, will join us for a practical discussion about professional liability insurance and what New Mexico NPs should know about their coverage.
About the Survey
The New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Council conducted the 2026 NMNPC Malpractice Insurance Survey to better understand malpractice insurance coverage and premium trends among nurse practitioners practicing in New Mexico. Survey contributors included Shawnna Read, Rachel Bevan, Hallie Keller, Theresa Keller and Gloria Doherty
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