Sorry, Not Sorry

Writing in Business Insurance, Judy Greenwald tells the story of a Nevada physician who just got shut out of his professional liability policy. This doctor pleaded guilty to unlawfully prescribing addictive opioids. Unfortunately, one of his patients died of fentanyl intoxication, and her estate filed a wrongful death suit.

In what appears to be a common sense ruling by the U.S. District Court, the liability carrier sought and received a declaration that it had no duty to defend or indemnify their physician policyholder. Coverage was clearly excluded for “any willful violation of any law, statute, or regulation.”

In another opioid-related story by Louise Esola, we continue to be reminded of the extent of long-term opioid use. She summarizes a report from the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute and highlights the factors linked to longer-term opioid dispensing which include:

First fill after injury for more than 30 days;

Simultaneous use of central nervous system depressants;

Had three or more opioid prescriptions within the first 90 days of an injury.

Doing better requires early and aggressive case management when opioid use is indicated, along with limiting your network to providers/dispensers willing to adhere to best practices.

Don’t be sorry.

Call us. We can do better.

William Faris, JD
Chief Executive Officer
502-495-5040
william.faris@omca.biz
www.omca.biz

Posted in News