11 December 2014
If you are employed by the state, and treat patients in a state facility, then the state provides indemnity against claims arising from your professional practice.
State indemnity will only cover the financial consequences of a claim for clinical negligence. Its purpose is to ensure public patients are compensated if they suffer harm, rather than protect you or your professional interests.
However, it does not extend to assistance for:
- internal complaints and disciplinaries related to your clinical practice
- inquests
- HPCSA investigations
- criminal allegations arising from the provision of clinical care.
As a Medical Protection member you would however be entitled to request assistance in these circumstances.
We can also help members by advising them on how best to protect themselves in their professional practice, assisting in preparing and checking reports for the State Attorney and providing assistance with media relations to help protect their reputation.
Additional benefits include, but are not limited to, free communication skills and risk management workshops, verifiable CPD and CEU, emergency medicolegal advice available 24/7, and support and assistance for Good Samaritan acts.
More information about Medical Protection membership for state-indemnified professionals can be found here.