What type of insurance must a pharmacist possessing a collaborative practice agreement have?

Pharmacists participating in collaborative practice agreements are typically required to hold a certain level of professional liability insurance to safeguard against potential malpractice claims related to their expanded scope of practice. In Massachusetts, the law stipulates that pharmacists involved in collaborative practice agreements must have a minimum of $1,000,000 of professional liability insurance. This requirement ensures that pharmacists are adequately protected given the increased responsibilities they assume when entering into such agreements, which may involve diagnosing, prescribing, and managing therapy in collaboration with physicians.

The rationale behind setting the insurance requirement at this level is to align with the higher risk associated with the advanced roles pharmacists take on in patient care. With the ability to prescribe medications and make clinical decisions, the potential for liability increases, necessitating a higher insurance coverage to protect both the pharmacist and their patients. This significant coverage is intended to ensure that pharmacists have the financial resources to address any legal actions that may arise from their professional activities within collaborative settings.