Professional Liability Information

AIG is the underwriter of our professional liability program, Contemporary Insurance Services, Inc. (CIS).   Certified Nurse-Midwives' policies have not been affected by the AIG transition.  According to Israel Teitelbaum, President of CIS, "The Certified Nurse-Midwife Program has its policies issued by Lexington Insurance Company, Landmark Insurance Company and National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pennsylvania, depending on the state for which coverage is needed. These companies are all subsidiaries of AIG Commercial and throughout the current concern over AIG's financial health, there have been no concerns raised regarding the solvency of these companies. All three maintain a high level of quality assets and surplus."  Read the description of events leading to the federal government's intervention. (posted 9/17/08)

What is ACNM Doing about the Professional Liability Crisis?

• Quickening article Summer 2007 - Professional Liability Update: Some Good News!

• Quickening article May 2006 - Liability Insurance: Your Questions Answered

• "Port in the Storm" - Expanded Practice Opportunities through FQHCs and Hospitalist Practice
  

• ACNM Position Statement: Qualifications for Midwifery Expert Witness
  

• Affirmation Statement for Midwifery Expert Witnessess: Voluntary Guidelines

ACNM Professional Liability Resource Packet (2007)

Like their physician colleagues across the country, CNMs/CMs are experiencing a professional liability crisis.  Many forces that are beyond our control are forcing ACNM members to become experts in this complex topic.  In order to meet this critical need for information, ACNM has published the Professional Liability Resource Packet.  (Due to its large file size, the Packet has been divided into four parts.)

Part 1: Professional Liability Primer

Part 2: Physician Surcharge

Part 3: Legislation and Policy

Part 4: What to do if You are Named in a Lawsuit

10 Questions Midwives Should Ask When Looking for Liability Insurance

The Myth of Vicarious Liability - Updated

GAO Report to Congressional Requesters: Medical Malpractice Insurance

Review the Professional Liability QuickInfo Document  - containing information and resource listings on the topic of Professional Liability.

Risk Reduction Statements

• Midwifery Strategies for Liability Risk Reduction
• Midwifery Strategies for Liability Risk Reduction in Informed Consent
• Midwifery Strategies for Liability Risk Reduction Postdates Pregnancy/Post Maturity
• Midwifery Strategies for Liability Risk Reduction - Shoulder Dystocia
• Midwifery Strategies for Liability Risk Reduction - Preterm Labor & Birth
  

Contemporary Insurance Services

• Contemporary Insurance Services (CIS) is licensed in all 50 states to provide professional liability insurance for CNMs.

Other Resources:

• Visit the KaiserEdu.org background brief on medical malpracticeNational Conference of State Legislatures for more information about medical malpractice liability reform.
• ACNM Expresses Support for Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2005
• The "Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Access to Care Act" (S.2061), may soon come to a vote in the U.S. Senate. S.2061, the first Senate Bill to address the Professional Liability Crisis since President Bush named the matter a national priority in his State of the Union Address, would provide necessary professional liability relief to CNMs/CMs.