The hospital-employed nurse volunteered to assist with physical examinations for athletes at the local high school. How does this situation affect the nurse's malpractice insurance?

Question

1. The nurse is covered by the hospital's malpractice insurance as a community volunteer.
2. The nurse is exempt from liability for any occurrences because of the volunteer status of the work.
3. The nurse is covered by the school's insurance.
4. The nurse is very likely not covered by any malpractice insurance.

Answer 1

4
Rationale: Many hospital liability insurance policies have limited coverage and cover employees only while they are performing work as hospital employees. The school most likely covers only its own employees. As a volunteer, the most likely situation is that the nurse is not covered by any insurance, unless a private insurance policy is in effect.