VetRelief Forum

[dhooverdvm]

Hi! I am starting to do relief work this summer after being a stay home mom for a few years. Practiced 7 years before that as an associate vet. I was wondering what insurance you all have (liability, workman's comp, etc) and if a DEA license is necessary. I will be practicing in Alabama. Thanks for any advice you can give.

[jetsetvet]

Hi

I have always carried my own liability insurance, even when I have worked as an associate. While the practice's insurance may cover you from being sued by a client, the practice owner could then turn around and sue you. Our profession is extremely fortunate to have low premiums; I would never be without my own liability insurance.

Second, many practices want vets to have their own DEA license, so I think it is a good thing to have.

I don't have worker's comp because I don't employ anyone, but I think it is a good idea to have disability insurance.

Hope that helps, and good luck!

EM
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E. Marshall
DVM, MPVM, DACVPM

[Dr Tenney]

Mal practice or liability issurance is a must have. The only things more value are possessing great communication skills and keeping detailed medical records (subjects for different topics . To be afforded insurance coverage in the event of a claim against you, every veterinarian must have his/her own mal practice insurance policy. Your employer may pay for your mal practice policy as part of your employment benefits, however you are not covered under a hospital/employer's policy. This is an important distinction and where some comfusion may lie.

Worker's compensation insurance is a catch-22 (a complicated topic . If you are doing relief work as a sole proprietor and you do not have employees then you probably don't need worker's compensation insurance. There are exceptions so check with your state employment office. For example MD provides an exemption for worker's compensation insurance provided you do not have employees and that you are incorporated.
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Roger Tenney, DVM
Site Administrator
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