Coverage for the acts, errors, and omissions of physicians and surgeons,
encompassing physicians professional liability insurance, hospital professional
liability (HPL) insurance, and allied healthcare (e.g., nurses) professional
liability insurance. Although the majority of policies are written with a
claims-made coverage trigger, such coverage is sometimes available on an
occurrence basis. Typical exclusions are for: intentional/criminal acts,
punitive damages, sexual misconduct, and specialized procedures (e.g., radial
keratotomy) for which coverage may be "bought back" in return for
additional premium. In addition to commercial insurers, medical malpractice
coverage is also available in most states through physician-owned insurance
companies known as "bedpan mutuals."