News
March 29, 2021
UPDATED: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions and Risk Resources
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is generating questions and concerns. As your risk resource partner, we are here to help you with prevention strategies as well as with navigating emerging issues related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). We are also here to serve you, our customers, as you continue to play a vital role in supporting the health care in our communities. We can share the latest information and problem-solve difficult issues together. We are stronger together.
FAQs - Updated with vaccine information!
As we continue to navigate COVID-19 together, we want to share the latest information on distribution of vaccines. This is an exciting and developing situation. Information is coming in quickly. Below are links to the latest guides and resources as of today about preparation and training, allocating supplies, educating patients, and administering vaccines. We recommend checking these primary sources often, especially the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for additional guidance.
Many customers have approached us with questions about insurance coverage and risk mitigation in administering the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Coverage Questions: Our standard medical professional liability insurance provides coverage for an adverse or unexpected outcome resulting from professional services provided or that should have been provided by an insured or someone for whom the insured is liable. We anticipate this should include claims of professional negligence related to the COVID-19 vaccine as it would for any other vaccination. However, actual coverage determination would be based on the specific allegations of the claim.
- Risk Mitigation: Avoiding professional liability risk in administering the COVID-19 vaccine depends upon the same general principles and best practices to avoid risk in other care scenarios. These include:
- Ensuring effective informed consent (or informed refusal
- Monitoring for reactions appropriately
- Utilizing failsafe systems for needed follow-up
- Documenting thoroughly and accurately
Vaccine Resource Links:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Quick Reference Guide for Healthcare Professionals
- COVID-19 Vaccination Program Operational Guidance
- Healthcare Professionals: Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- Recommendations for Allocating Initial Supplies of COVID-19 Vaccine
- Clinical Resources for Each COVID-19 Vaccine
- 8 Things to Know about the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program (For Patients)
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
- Strategy 6R: Reminder Systems for Immunizations and Preventive Services
- Learning from influenza vaccine errors to prepare for COVID-19 vaccination campaigns
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Coverage and Reimbursement of COVID-19 Vaccines, Vaccine Administration, and Cost Sharing under Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Program
- COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Billing
ECRI
FDA
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID‑19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 for individuals 16 years of age and older.
Coverage Questions:
Our standard medical professional liability insurance provides coverage for an adverse or unanticipated outcome resulting from professional services provided or that should have been provided by an insured or someone for whom the insured is liable.
Please note the FAQ responses are general in nature and based on our standard insuring agreements. All coverage is subject to the actual terms and conditions of your policy and specific allegations of any claim. Please contact your agent or underwriter for the most accurate and comprehensive information on your policy.
- Does my policy cover me for patient claims involving treatment and care of COVID-19?
Yes. We anticipate allegations of professional negligence related to COVID-19 would be covered. However, actual coverage determination would be based on the specific allegations of the claim.
- Does my policy cover me for virtual care/telemedicine?
Yes. Virtual care/telemedicine is covered by your policy provided you are authorized to provide care in the applicable state(s). Please check state licensing requirements not only where you are located, but also where the patient resides to be sure you are providing services only in states in which you are authorized or licensed to practice.
Please notify us of any new states you may be providing services. Some states have patient compensation funds in place as part of their payment system for damages relating to malpractice, we can help you determine if a fund applies or if the practice in a particular state is not covered under the fund of your primary practice state.
- Does my policy cover me if I practice in additional states?
We do not limit coverage to specific states if you are practicing within current licensing and training requirements. Please check state licensing requirements; states may waive licensure requirements on a state-by-state basis.
Please notify us of any new states you may be providing services. Some states have patient compensation funds in place as part of their payment system for damages relating to malpractice, we can help you determine if a fund applies or if the practice in a particular state in not covered under the fund of your primary practice state.
- Does my policy cover me if I temporarily practice outside my specialty or practice?
We do not limit coverage to your specialty if you are practicing within current licensing and training requirements. Please consider your training, experience, and competence in performing any medical services outside of your current practice specialty.
- Does our policy provide coverage for non-physician health care professionals providing services outside of our facility?
We provide coverage for your employed health care professionals for the services they provide within the scope and direction of their employment. The coverage is not limited to a specific location.
- Does our policy provide coverage for non-physician health care professionals providing services outside their specialty?
We do not limit coverage to certain specialties if providers are practicing within their current licensing and training requirements.
- Does my policy provide coverage for volunteer work?
Yes, our standard professional liability covers you for all professional services you provide within your licensure and training. Please check with your agent or underwriter to determine if there are any limitations to be aware of on your policy.
- Does our policy provide coverage for volunteers?
Please contact your agent or underwriter to discuss. We do require some health care professionals, such as physicians, to be listed on your policy for coverage to extend to them.
- What if I recently retired from the practice of medicine, received a free extended reporting endorsement (tail) and have been asked to return to practice? Will my extended reporting endorsement remain in effect?
Yes, your extended reporting endorsement will remain in effect without additional premium. Your extended reporting period does not, however, provide coverage for any services you provide after it became effective.
- Our facility is considering opening a daycare for our employees; would we have coverage for this?
If you currently have general liability coverage with us, we can underwrite this exposure. Please contact your agent or underwriter for more information on coverage and recommendations to consider.
- Does my policy include business interruption coverage?
We do not offer business interruption coverage. Please check with your agent regarding other possible coverage.
Billing Questions:
What if my premium payment is impacted by COVID-19?
We understand that Coronavirus has adversely impacted many of your businesses. Should you have a question or concern about your premium payments, please don’t hesitate to contact your agent, underwriter or our finance team. You can reach our finance team at the following email addresses:
- Accounts.Receivable@arkansasmutual.com
- Accounts.Receivable@mmicgroup.com
- AccountsReceivable@umia.com
Other Questions:
- Can I get support from my carrier in understanding the changing risks during the public health emergency?
Yes, contact your risk consultant or email RiskTeam@ConstellationMutual.com. We can share the latest information and problem-solve difficult issues together.
- What should I consider if I send my staff to work in an alternative site outside our facility?
From a risk and patient safety standpoint, you should consider the services your staff are being asked to provide at these sites. Is the task in their scope of practice? Do they have training and competence to perform the task? Do they understand the use of any PPE (personal protective equipment) that may be provided at the alternative site?
- I have retired from the practice of medicine and let my license expire, can I practice as a physician?
Some state licensing boards have changed the regulations surrounding temporary licenses, practicing with licenses from other states, as well re-activating licenses or extending renewals. Check with the specific state board of medicine for guidance.
COVID-19 Risk Resources
- Constellation Guidance for Resuming Elective Surgeries PDF
- Constellation Virtual Care Risk Checklist
- Constellation and Padilla webinar A Calm and Controlled Approach to Managing Coronavirus
- Constellation and Padilla webinar Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic During the Height of the Storm
- Constellation panel webinar Managing the Challenges in Long Term Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Constellation and IHA webinar Planning for the future with COVID-19
- Constellation and IMGMA webinar Practice Considerations for Now and in the Future with COVID-19
- Constellation webinar Reducing the Risk of Diagnostic Error in the COVID-19 Era
- AMA COVID-19: A physician practice guide to reopening
- AMA A Physician's Guide to COVID-19
- AHA CyberSecurity Resources
- ASHE COVID-19 Ventilation Guidance Efforts for Health Care Facilities
- CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 resources and situation updates
- CDC Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
- CDC Information for health care professionals
- CDC Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure in a Healthcare Setting to Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- CDC Resources for Hospitals and Healthcare Professionals Preparing for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
- CDC COVID-19: Long-term Care Facilities, Nursing Homes
- CDC Using Telehealth to Expand Access to Essential Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- CMS Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): FAQs and Considerations for Patient Triage, Placement and Hospital Discharge
- CMS COVID-19 Long-Term Care Facility Guidance
- CMS Long-Term Care Nursing Homes Telehealth and Telemedicine Tool Kit
- ECRI Institute COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Outbreak Preparedness Center: guidance, checklists and resources for health care organizations
- FDA COVID-19
- FDA Enforcement Policy for Face Masks and Respirators During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff
- FSMB Current licensing requirements https://www.fsmb.org/advocacy/covid-19/
- NIH Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- NIH The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences COVID-19 Worker Training
- NIOSH Coronavirus Disease – 2019 guidance for personal protective equipment and resources
- OSHA Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- The Joint Commission Coronavirus Resources
- WHO Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
Please contact your risk consultant or email RiskTeam@ConstellationMutual.com with any questions or concerns.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is generating questions and concerns. As your risk resource partner, we are here to help you with prevention strategies as well as with navigating emerging issues related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). We are also here to serve you, our customers, as you continue to play a vital role in supporting the health care in our communities. We can share the latest information and problem-solve difficult issues together. We are stronger together.
FAQs - Updated with vaccine information!
As we continue to navigate COVID-19 together, we want to share the latest information on distribution of vaccines. This is an exciting and developing situation. Information is coming in quickly. Below are links to the latest guides and resources as of today about preparation and training, allocating supplies, educating patients, and administering vaccines. We recommend checking these primary sources often, especially the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for additional guidance.
Many customers have approached us with questions about insurance coverage and risk mitigation in administering the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Coverage Questions: Our standard medical professional liability insurance provides coverage for an adverse or unexpected outcome resulting from professional services provided or that should have been provided by an insured or someone for whom the insured is liable. We anticipate this should include claims of professional negligence related to the COVID-19 vaccine as it would for any other vaccination. However, actual coverage determination would be based on the specific allegations of the claim.
- Risk Mitigation: Avoiding professional liability risk in administering the COVID-19 vaccine depends upon the same general principles and best practices to avoid risk in other care scenarios. These include:
- Ensuring effective informed consent (or informed refusal
- Monitoring for reactions appropriately
- Utilizing failsafe systems for needed follow-up
- Documenting thoroughly and accurately
Vaccine Resource Links:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Quick Reference Guide for Healthcare Professionals
- COVID-19 Vaccination Program Operational Guidance
- Healthcare Professionals: Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- Recommendations for Allocating Initial Supplies of COVID-19 Vaccine
- Clinical Resources for Each COVID-19 Vaccine
- 8 Things to Know about the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program (For Patients)
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
- Strategy 6R: Reminder Systems for Immunizations and Preventive Services
- Learning from influenza vaccine errors to prepare for COVID-19 vaccination campaigns
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Coverage and Reimbursement of COVID-19 Vaccines, Vaccine Administration, and Cost Sharing under Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Program
- COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Billing
ECRI
FDA
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID‑19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 for individuals 16 years of age and older.
Coverage Questions:
Our standard medical professional liability insurance provides coverage for an adverse or unanticipated outcome resulting from professional services provided or that should have been provided by an insured or someone for whom the insured is liable.
Please note the FAQ responses are general in nature and based on our standard insuring agreements. All coverage is subject to the actual terms and conditions of your policy and specific allegations of any claim. Please contact your agent or underwriter for the most accurate and comprehensive information on your policy.
- Does my policy cover me for patient claims involving treatment and care of COVID-19?
Yes. We anticipate allegations of professional negligence related to COVID-19 would be covered. However, actual coverage determination would be based on the specific allegations of the claim.
- Does my policy cover me for virtual care/telemedicine?
Yes. Virtual care/telemedicine is covered by your policy provided you are authorized to provide care in the applicable state(s). Please check state licensing requirements not only where you are located, but also where the patient resides to be sure you are providing services only in states in which you are authorized or licensed to practice.
Please notify us of any new states you may be providing services. Some states have patient compensation funds in place as part of their payment system for damages relating to malpractice, we can help you determine if a fund applies or if the practice in a particular state is not covered under the fund of your primary practice state.
- Does my policy cover me if I practice in additional states?
We do not limit coverage to specific states if you are practicing within current licensing and training requirements. Please check state licensing requirements; states may waive licensure requirements on a state-by-state basis.
Please notify us of any new states you may be providing services. Some states have patient compensation funds in place as part of their payment system for damages relating to malpractice, we can help you determine if a fund applies or if the practice in a particular state in not covered under the fund of your primary practice state.
- Does my policy cover me if I temporarily practice outside my specialty or practice?
We do not limit coverage to your specialty if you are practicing within current licensing and training requirements. Please consider your training, experience, and competence in performing any medical services outside of your current practice specialty.
- Does our policy provide coverage for non-physician health care professionals providing services outside of our facility?
We provide coverage for your employed health care professionals for the services they provide within the scope and direction of their employment. The coverage is not limited to a specific location.
- Does our policy provide coverage for non-physician health care professionals providing services outside their specialty?
We do not limit coverage to certain specialties if providers are practicing within their current licensing and training requirements.
- Does my policy provide coverage for volunteer work?
Yes, our standard professional liability covers you for all professional services you provide within your licensure and training. Please check with your agent or underwriter to determine if there are any limitations to be aware of on your policy.
- Does our policy provide coverage for volunteers?
Please contact your agent or underwriter to discuss. We do require some health care professionals, such as physicians, to be listed on your policy for coverage to extend to them.
- What if I recently retired from the practice of medicine, received a free extended reporting endorsement (tail) and have been asked to return to practice? Will my extended reporting endorsement remain in effect?
Yes, your extended reporting endorsement will remain in effect without additional premium. Your extended reporting period does not, however, provide coverage for any services you provide after it became effective.
- Our facility is considering opening a daycare for our employees; would we have coverage for this?
If you currently have general liability coverage with us, we can underwrite this exposure. Please contact your agent or underwriter for more information on coverage and recommendations to consider.
- Does my policy include business interruption coverage?
We do not offer business interruption coverage. Please check with your agent regarding other possible coverage.
Billing Questions:
What if my premium payment is impacted by COVID-19?
We understand that Coronavirus has adversely impacted many of your businesses. Should you have a question or concern about your premium payments, please don’t hesitate to contact your agent, underwriter or our finance team. You can reach our finance team at the following email addresses:
- Accounts.Receivable@arkansasmutual.com
- Accounts.Receivable@mmicgroup.com
- AccountsReceivable@umia.com
Other Questions:
- Can I get support from my carrier in understanding the changing risks during the public health emergency?
Yes, contact your risk consultant or email RiskTeam@ConstellationMutual.com. We can share the latest information and problem-solve difficult issues together.
- What should I consider if I send my staff to work in an alternative site outside our facility?
From a risk and patient safety standpoint, you should consider the services your staff are being asked to provide at these sites. Is the task in their scope of practice? Do they have training and competence to perform the task? Do they understand the use of any PPE (personal protective equipment) that may be provided at the alternative site?
- I have retired from the practice of medicine and let my license expire, can I practice as a physician?
Some state licensing boards have changed the regulations surrounding temporary licenses, practicing with licenses from other states, as well re-activating licenses or extending renewals. Check with the specific state board of medicine for guidance.
COVID-19 Risk Resources
- Constellation Guidance for Resuming Elective Surgeries PDF
- Constellation Virtual Care Risk Checklist
- Constellation and Padilla webinar A Calm and Controlled Approach to Managing Coronavirus
- Constellation and Padilla webinar Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic During the Height of the Storm
- Constellation panel webinar Managing the Challenges in Long Term Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Constellation and IHA webinar Planning for the future with COVID-19
- Constellation and IMGMA webinar Practice Considerations for Now and in the Future with COVID-19
- Constellation webinar Reducing the Risk of Diagnostic Error in the COVID-19 Era
- AMA COVID-19: A physician practice guide to reopening
- AMA A Physician's Guide to COVID-19
- AHA CyberSecurity Resources
- ASHE COVID-19 Ventilation Guidance Efforts for Health Care Facilities
- CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 resources and situation updates
- CDC Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
- CDC Information for health care professionals
- CDC Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure in a Healthcare Setting to Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- CDC Resources for Hospitals and Healthcare Professionals Preparing for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
- CDC COVID-19: Long-term Care Facilities, Nursing Homes
- CDC Using Telehealth to Expand Access to Essential Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- CMS Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): FAQs and Considerations for Patient Triage, Placement and Hospital Discharge
- CMS COVID-19 Long-Term Care Facility Guidance
- CMS Long-Term Care Nursing Homes Telehealth and Telemedicine Tool Kit
- ECRI Institute COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Outbreak Preparedness Center: guidance, checklists and resources for health care organizations
- FDA COVID-19
- FDA Enforcement Policy for Face Masks and Respirators During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff
- FSMB Current licensing requirements https://www.fsmb.org/advocacy/covid-19/
- NIH Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- NIH The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences COVID-19 Worker Training
- NIOSH Coronavirus Disease – 2019 guidance for personal protective equipment and resources
- OSHA Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- The Joint Commission Coronavirus Resources
- WHO Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
Please contact your risk consultant or email RiskTeam@ConstellationMutual.com with any questions or concerns.