Policyholder Services

Protect Your Practice From Catastrophic Events

You may be surprised to learn that several OMIC policyholders have reported partial or total loss of practice as a result of natural disasters and national emergencies. Do the following to prepare your practice for such an event:

1. Inventory and photograph all practice property and possessions. Also have all important phone numbers, insurance policy numbers, staff emergency numbers, etc. stored securely in multiple locations for access during periods without cellular coverage or electricity.

2. Develop an evacuation or shelter-in-place plan. See here for the OSHA sample plan and template.

3. Review insurance policies and create an emergency cash fund off site to deal with potential immediate needs.

4. Plan for self sufficiency including basic supplies during immediate aftermath. (Here is an example of the 72 hours earthquake program which may apply to other natural disasters, outbreaks, or terrorist incidents). Your contingency plans may require a longer period than 3 days.

After natural disasters, outbreaks, or terrorist incidents, many OMIC insureds have volunteered their services to assist in recovery and treatment of victims. OMIC will generally cover “good samaritan” activities performed to prevent or stabilize a patient’s medical condition and often local laws will shield physicians from liability in these circumstances. Follow these tips if participating in such disaster assistance.

Most insurance policies could be called upon to cover natural disaster liabilities, including but not limited to professional liability (your OMIC policy) if you render assistance as described above, business owners for property loss and costs associated with the interruption of your practice activities, and even disability, office overhead expenses, workers compensation or other policies designed to respond to injury to you or your staff. Basically, you should plan for a variety of situations that might occur after such a disaster.

You should discuss with your agent, broker, or call OMIC at (800) 562-6642, ext 654 for help or contacts for the various insurance policies that you may want to have in place.