representation for professional liability insurance cases

How to Find a Lawyer Who Accepts HPSO Insurance to Defend Healthcare Providers

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, licensed mental health counselors, advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs), and massage therapists often struggle to find experienced lawyers in Florida who will accept their professional liability insurance after receiving complaints from the Department of Health (DOH). Specifically, in this blog, the insurance provider in question is Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO) Insurance.

Advantages of Having HPSO Insurance.

The medical professionals HPSO Insurance covers can give a sigh of relief knowing they have excellent insurance coverage. HPSO Insurance provides professional liability coverage that protects them in the event of a lawsuit or negligence claim.

However, it’s not just the significant cases that HPSO covers. More often than not, healthcare professionals receive a notice of an investigation, a subpoena for a deposition in someone else’s case, a demand because of an allegation of sexual harassment or sexual impropriety, a complaint because of a breach of medical records confidentiality, or a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy complaint, or some other administrative type of action. These situations can be incredibly stressful and time-consuming, but HPSO provides excellent coverage.

For example, if the individual receives a subpoena for a deposition, HPSO currently reimburses up to $10,000 in legal fees and expenses just for representation at the deposition. This means that the professional can focus on their work and not worry about the legal costs of a deposition. Additionally, the provider receives a notice of investigation or complaint from the DOH or Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). HPSO currently reimburses up to $25,000 in legal fees and expenses for their defense. The peace of mind that comes with knowing that they have this kind of coverage can be invaluable.

Finally, suppose a health professional is facing a complaint or investigation regarding a breach of medical confidentiality. In that case, HPSO reimburses up to $25,000 in legal fees and expenses for their legal representation in defense.

Whether you’re a nurse, physician, psychologist, or other healthcare professional, knowledgeable and skilled attorneys can assist you with legal issues.

Free Legal Advice: Get Insurance Right Away.

As a healthcare professional, it is essential to understand the importance of carrying insurance that covers any investigation, complaint, or administrative hearing that may be filed or opened against your license. Many healthcare professionals mistakenly believe their employer will cover them in such situations, but this is not always true.

Suppose you are still determining whether your employer will provide legal defense for any matters arising during employment. In that case, asking for a written statement confirming this is crucial. Without such a statement, you may find yourself without any legal support in the event of a complaint or investigation.

Unfortunately, in many cases, the employer terminates an employee and then files a complaint with the Department of Health (DOH). This can result in the DOH opening an investigation against the healthcare professional, leaving them vulnerable to potential legal action. In such cases, the employer is unlikely to pay for the healthcare professional’s legal defense costs, leaving the professional in a difficult position.

If you find yourself in this situation, you may be out of work, out of money, and facing an investigation and complaint that could result in your professional license and career termination. Taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your career is essential by investing in insurance that covers legal defense costs.

HPSO Insurance is both inexpensive and reliable. By purchasing this insurance, while you can afford it, you can rest assured that you will have the legal support you need in case of a complaint or investigation.

We Recommend That You Seek the Services of an Experienced Attorney in the Event of Any Notice of an Investigation.

If you work in the healthcare industry, you must be aware of the potential legal issues that could arise. One such issue is disciplinary action or licensure investigations. If you find yourself in this situation, seeking an experienced health law attorney is crucial. Don’t speak with investigators or provide documents or statements without seeking legal advice.

It’s important to remember that investigators and other professionals involved in the investigation are not on your side. They are looking for evidence against you, so don’t take any advice from them. Instead, rely on the guidance of a skilled attorney who can protect your rights and interests.

Another important consideration is insurance coverage. If you have good insurance, it can help cover the costs of legal expenses from the outset. However, not all insurance policies cover disciplinary complaints and licensure investigations. Be sure to check your policy carefully and ensure this type of coverage is included. If not, consider purchasing a separate policy that provides this coverage. It may cost extra, but it’s worth protecting yourself in case of a legal issue. It is worth it! Please do it!

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys Who Represent Healthcare Professionals and Providers.

Our firm specializes in providing legal representation to a wide range of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, massage therapists, mental health counselors, registered nurses, and more. We offer a variety of services, such as representing clients before their professional board, handling DOH investigations, conducting administrative hearings, defending against malpractice claims, assisting with professional licensing matters, and addressing allegations related to HIPAA privacy violations and medical record breaches.

We also handle DEA actions and other legal matters. Our team frequently defends physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, and others against malpractice claims, civil lawsuits, administrative complaints, peer review actions, and audits by Medicare and Medicaid. If a healthcare professional has liability insurance that covers these types of claims, we will work to obtain coverage and seek reimbursement for legal fees. In some cases, we may accept an assignment of insurance policy proceeds to directly submit our bills to the insurance company.

We also defend health professionals and health facilities in general litigation matters and business litigation matters.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or Toll-Free at (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law; he is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620.

Attorney Positions with The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm is always looking for qualified attorneys interested in health law practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a member of The Florida Bar and are interested, forward a cover letter and your resume to: [email protected] or fax to: (407) 331-3030.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2023 George F. Indest III. All rights reserved.

How to Find an HPSO Insurance Attorney to Defend You in a Complaint Against Your Massage Therapy License

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

We often hear from clients with professional licensing complaints and Department of Health investigations who have insurance coverage with Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO) Insurance but could not find a lawyer who accepts it. They come to us after disciplinary action has been taken against their license to appeal or reverse it.

Our law firm and attorneys have represented individuals covered by HPSO Insurance for over 25 years. HPSO covers and pays for legal matters in various areas, such as administrative hearings, professional license complaints, investigations, depositions, HIPAA violations, and more.

Under these policies, the insurance company will pay the legal fees and costs related to your defense. However, usually, you are required to locate and retain the appropriate attorney to represent you.

Tips to Help Find and Retain an Experienced Attorney to Defend You.

1. Seek and retain an attorney who accepts your insurance, whether it is HPSO Insurance, NORCAL Insurance, The Doctors Company (TDC) Insurance, CPH & Associates Insurance, Pharmacists Mutual Insurance, Philadelphia Insurance, or another national company. This will ensure that you have an attorney who will give you the lower rates the insurance company had negotiated and will have a good working relationship established with your insurance company. If an attorney with our firm cannot represent you, we will try to find one who will.

2. The primary qualification for any attorney you hire to represent you should be their experience working with health professionals in the same field. If the attorney is not familiar with your area of health practice or the type of hearings involved, it may be difficult for that attorney to get up to speed to represent you properly.

3. If you come across an attorney who states that they will help you make a statement to the investigator or assist you in the investigation but does not appear at hearings, this is the wrong attorney. You need an attorney that can represent you from start to finish.

4. You also want to retain the services of an attorney who has appeared before your professional board or state licensing authority in investigations and hearings, especially formal or informal administrative hearings.

5. Often, you will encounter an attorney who only wants you to accept a consent order, stipulation, or settlement agreement. Remember that these are all merely “plea bargains,” by signing this, you will be pleading guilty to whatever offenses are charged. In most cases, you will be innocent and must request a formal administrative hearing to prove this instead of signing the consent agreement (or order).

6. You don’t need an attorney in your city, state, or location. Almost all the work on the case can be done by telephone and e-mail. You usually have only one meeting or hearing with the agency, and depending on the type of hearing or meeting, it could be located in many different locations. Our attorneys will travel to those locations for meetings and hearings with you.

7. Beware of attorneys who hold themselves out in Internet advertising as health attorneys or professional licensed defense attorneys but are other types of attorneys. We see this greatly from medical malpractice plaintiff attorneys, criminal defense attorneys, and attorneys who sue insurance companies. Be sure you retain only an attorney who concentrates their practice on defending those in the specialty of massage therapy and physical therapy, board of physical therapy and massage therapy complaints, investigations, and hearings.

8. If you can’t find an attorney to meet your immediate needs through an Internet search, you may contact your insurance company or professional association and ask if they have a list of attorneys who can do the legal work you require.

For example, you may reach Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO) at (800) 982-9491; you can reach CPH & Associates at (800) 875-1911 or (312) 987-9823; you can access additional policy info from American Massage Therapy Association Insurance (AMTA) by going to their website here: https://www.amtamassage.org/massage-insurance/overview

To learn more about professional liability insurance and why you should have it, read my prior blog here.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in the Representation of Massage Therapists.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to massage therapists and physical therapists, physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, massage therapists, mental health counselors, registered nurses (RNs), assisted living facilities (ALFs), home health agencies (HHAs), nurse practitioners, lab technicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists (PTs), social workers, physician assistants, psychologists, and other health professionals in many different legal matters.

Services we provide include representation before your professional board in DOH investigations, administrative hearings, civil litigation, professional licensing matters, defense of allegations concerning HIPAA privacy violations and medical record breaches, and many others.

In cases in which the health care professional has professional liability insurance or general liability insurance, which provides coverage for such matters, we will seek to obtain coverage from your insurance company and will attempt to have your legal fees and expenses covered by your insurance company. If allowed, we will agree to take an assignment of your insurance policy proceeds to submit our bills directly to your insurance company. We also defend health professionals and health facilities in general and business litigation matters.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or toll-free (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620

Attorney Positions with The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm always seeks qualified attorneys interested in health law practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a member of The Florida Bar and are interested, forward a cover letter and your resume to: [email protected] or fax to: (407) 331-3030.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.

Protecting Your Pharmacist License: Locate an HPSO or Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Attorney to Defend You in a Complaint

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

All healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacies, should know the importance of good professional liability insurance. These policies protect them from the financial burden of legal expenses in case of any complaints or lawsuits filed against them. Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO) Insurance and Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company (PMIC) are both popular insurance companies that offer professional liability insurance to pharmacists and their pharmacies at a low and affordable rate. However, many pharmacists may need to realize the full extent of coverage that their policy offers.

Under a policy with either insurance company, the insurer will pay the legal fees and other costs related to your defense or legal representation. However, you must seek out and retain the appropriate attorney.

Essential Things to Look For When Retaining an Attorney to Defend You.

1. The primary qualification for any attorney you hire to represent you should be their experience working with healthcare professionals in the same field, such case, pharmacies and pharmacists. Suppose the attorney is unfamiliar with the pharmacy practice, the type of legal proceeding you have, or the board of pharmacy, Division of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) or the health department. In that case, it may be difficult for that attorney to represent you properly.

2. If you consult with an attorney who claims they will help you make a statement to the investigator or assist you in the investigation but will not agree to appear and represent you in hearings, this is the wrong attorney. You need an attorney who can represent you from start to finish.

3. Retain an attorney who accepts your insurance, whether it’s HPSO Insurance, Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company (PMIC), CPH & Associates Insurance, Philadelphia Insurance, Firemans Fund, or another national company. This will ensure that you have an attorney who will give you the lower rates the insurance company has negotiated and establish a good working relationship with your insurance company. If an attorney with our firm cannot represent you, we will try to find you an attorney who will.

4. You should also retain the services of an attorney who has appeared before your professional board or licensing authority in investigations and hearings, especially in formal administrative hearings.

5. Often, you will encounter an attorney who only wants you to accept a consent order, stipulation, or settlement agreement. Remember that these are all merely “plea bargains,” and you will be pleading “guilty” to whatever offenses are charged. This is the easy way out. Often, the easy way is not the right way. If you plead guilty, then, from that point on, you are guilty. In most cases, however, you will be innocent of the charges and need a formal administrative hearing to prove this.

6. You don’t necessarily need an attorney who resides in your city, state, or location. Your attorney can complete the majority of casework by telephone, e-mail, Zoom video, or other means. You usually have only one meeting or hearing; depending on what type of hearing it is, it could be located in various locations. Our attorneys will travel to those locations for meetings and hearings.

7. Beware of attorneys who hold themselves out in Internet advertising as health attorneys or professional licensed defense attorneys but are really some other type of attorneys. We see this a lot from medical malpractice attorneys, criminal defense attorneys, and attorneys who sue insurance companies. Be sure you get an attorney who concentrates their practice on defending those in the pharmacy specialty and board of pharmacy complaints, investigations, and formal and informal administrative hearings.

8. If you can’t find an attorney to meet your immediate needs through our firm or an Internet search, you may contact your insurance company or professional association and ask if they have a list of attorneys who can do the legal work you require.

For example, you may reach Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO) at (800) 982-9491; you can reach Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company (PMIC) at (800) 247-5930; you can reach CPH & Associates at (800) 875-1911 or (312) 987-9823.

When negative accusations arise that could affect a pharmacist’s license or the license of a pharmacy, having insurance is essential. This coverage offers a strong defense against potential harm and covers a variety of situations, including subpoenas for record release, depositions, and violations of HIPAA or medical confidentiality.

Connect With Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Investigations of Pharmacists and Pharmacies.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to pharmacists, pharmacies, prescribing physicians, dispensing physicians and nurse practitioners, and other health providers in pharmacy board complaints and investigations, Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Colorado DORA investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations, Medicare and Medicaid audits, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) investigations, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) actions, and other types of investigations of pharmacies and pharmacists.

In cases in which the pharmacist or pharmacy has professional liability insurance or general liability insurance that provides coverage for such matters, we will seek to obtain coverage by your insurance company and will attempt to have your legal fees and expenses covered by your insurance company. If allowed, we will agree to take an assignment of your insurance policy proceeds to be able to submit our bills directly to your insurance company.

We also defend health professionals and health facilities in general and business litigation matters, Medicaid and Medicare complaints and hearings, and DEA Orders To Show Cause (OTSC) hearings.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or toll-free (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620

Attorney Positions with The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm is always looking for qualified attorneys interested in health law practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a member of The Florida Bar and are interested, forward a cover letter and your resume to: [email protected] or fax to: (407) 331-3030.“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T09:59:20-04:00September 11, 2023|Categories: Health Facilities Law Blog|Tags: administrative complaint defense attorney, administrative complaint defense lawyer, administrative hearing defense attorney, administrative hearing defense lawyer, administrative hearing defense legal counsel, Board of Pharmacy complaints, Board of Pharmacy defense, Colorado Board of Pharmacy defense lawyer, Colorado Division of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) defense attorney, Colorado Division of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) defense lawyer, Colorado HPSO defense attorney lawyer, defense lawyer for pharmacists, finding HPSO defense lawyer, Florida Board of Pharmacy defense lawyer, Florida Colorado Louisiana D.C. health law defense attorney, Florida Department of Health (DOH) attorney, Florida HPSO defense attorney lawyer near me, Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO) Insurance defense attorney, HPSO deposition defense coverage, legal representation for HPSO matters in Colorado Louisiana Florida and D.C., legal representation for HPSO matters in Florida, Louisiana and Florida Department of Health (DOH) defense lawyer, medical license defense, pharmacist complaint cases, pharmacist defense lawyer, pharmacy complaint cases, pharmacy defense attorney lawyer, representation for Board of Pharmacy investigations, representation for Florida Colorado Division of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) complaint investigations, representation for Florida Department of Health (DOH) and Colorado DORA complaint investigations, representation for licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) and licensed professional counselors (LPCs), representation for professional liability insurance cases, reviews of The Health Law Firm attorneys, The Health Law Firm reviews|Comments Off

Finding a Lawyer Who Accepts HPSO Insurance to Defend Healthcare Providers