Professional Liability Insurance Programme

Eligibility

The Professional Liability Insurance Programme (also known as Errors & Omissions or Medical Malpractice Insurance) is available to "Professional Level Members in good standing of the Association Of Registered Clinical Hypnotherapists (ARCH) only." Participants must also maintain their membership to continue and/or renew their insurance coverage under this programme. (Note, the annual renewal date for all ARCH membership is July 31st. PLI coverage is not valid if your membership has lapsed.)

Coverage

Participation in the ARCH programme is voluntary. However, Professional Liability Insurance is mandatory for all Professional Level Memberships (RHt, RCH, RCCH) and for continuation of professional membership in ARCH. The professional liability insurance policy under this programme will provide coverage for the professional activities of ARCH members in the practice of Hypnotherapy, anywhere in Canada. Also, this programme allows for the coverage of addition clinical modalities at no additional cost provided 51% of client work uses hypnosis as the primary vehicle for change (but excludes surgery, injectables, esthetic laser procedures). Professional Liability Insurance covers against any civil action brought against an ARCH member, including payment of all sums which they may be legally obligated to pay as a result of liability for personal injuries arising out of rendering professional Hypnotherapy services.

SECTION II - Additional Coverages

1....Legal Defence Expenses

We will reimburse you for "legal expense", incurred by the "Named Insured" while acting within the scope of their "professional services", in the course of a "proceeding". Such "proceeding" must take place in the "coverage territory" and commence after the effective date of the Policy and within the "policy period".

2....Criminal Defence Reimbursement

We will pay on behalf of the "insured" Defence Costs up to the limits of insurance as specified within the "declarations" incurred in defending "claim(s)" made against the "insured" for penal offences in respect of charges first laid in Canada if the defence of the "insured" proves to be fully successful.

For the purposes of this additional coverage, "fully successful" means acquittal, the return of a "not guilty" verdict or the withdrawal of charges with respect to the "insured".

3....Counselling Cover for Sexually Abused Patient(s)

We will pay up to the limits of insurance as specified within the "declarations" for the therapy and counselling of a sexually abused patient when an "insured" has been found to be at fault under Section 3 of Bill 100 of the Regulated Health Professions Act 1991.

4....Loss of Earnings

We will pay all loss of earnings incurred by an "insured" at our request to assist us in the investigation or defence of a "claim" up to a limit of CDN$750 any one claim as a result of time off work.

5....Defence and Other Payments

With respect to the insurance afforded by this policy, the Insurer further agrees:
(a) to pay any premium payable under guarantee bonds required to release attachments and any premium payable on appeal bonds but without any obligation to apply for or furnish any such bonds;
(b) to pay expenses incurred in Canada in any investigation, defence, arbitration, litigation and settlement of any "claim(s)";
(c) to pay costs taxed against the "insured" following a judgement by a Canadian court of civil jurisdiction;
(d) to pay all accrued interest that the "insured" is obligated to pay on that portion of such Canadian judgements shall be payable by us.

The payment of the sums provided for in this paragraph 5 is to be considered in addition to the applicable Limit of Insurance.

6....Good Samaritan Clause

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Policy to the contrary, this Policy is extended to cover the liability imposed upon the "insured", as a result of the "insured" performing any Good Samaritan service provided that the "insured" performing such Good Samaritan service is not involved in any private medical practice.

Limits of Coverage Option A

$1,000,000.00 Each Claim in any one year.

Deductible is $1,000.00

Limits of Coverage Option B

$2,000,000.00 Each Claim in any one year.

Deductible is $1,000.00

Limits of Coverage Option C

$5,000,000.00 Each Claim in any one year.

Deductible is $1,000.00

Features of Coverage

The policy provides additional coverage over employer-related plans. Coverage provided through an ARCH member's place of employment may not cover all circumstances and conditions provided under the policy.

Reasonable expenses in assisting the insurance company in defence of a claim against an ARCH member are also covered.

Policy written on a claims made form and hence provides coverage for claims reported during the policy period.

Group rated premiums.

Efficient claims procedures, investigation and defence of a claim.

The policy is portable and provides coverage throughout Canada.

Policy includes legal fees and court costs.

Enrollment

Premiums are collected by the Insurance Brokerage Company designated by ARCH. Professional Level Members must be "in good standing" to obtain reduced rate liability insurance through ARCH. The master policy is on file at the ARCH Administrative Office and the Insurance Broker's Office. Each participating member will receive a certificate of insurance directly from the Broker. A copy of this certificate must accompany the ARCH Renewal Membership Application.

Premiums are paid annually; thereafter, renewal certificates will be issued.

The Policy is in effect from July 15th. through July 14th the following year.

Pro-rated coverage is available for professional members who join after the annual renewal date of July 15th.

Optional Insurance
Note: A Professional GLI & Office Content policy may help in obtaining and/or lowering Home Insurance, for those who set-up their Practice as a Home Base Business

Comprehensive General Liability Insurance

With the purchase of PLI through the ARCH programme, a $1,000,000.00 or $2,000,000.00 or $5,000,000 GLI can be added for an additional special rate to protect you from civil action due to personal injury while a client is on your premise. This is very helpful for those who work from a home office and is not part of the PLI Policy.

It is also important to verify if you rent space for your practice within a building that it include GLI within the space you rent! If not, unless GLI coverage is purchased, no protection exists for Bodily Injury or Property Damage arising out of a claim.

Office/Business Protection Insurance

Not yet available but coming soon.

To apply for Professional Coverage, contact the ARCH Office or Director Of Membership at  office@archcanada.ca