CPSM Policy Update: Professional Liability Insurance or Coverage for Clinical and Physician Assistants
Effective June 25, 2025, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba implemented a revised Council Policy on Professional Liability Insurance or Coverage.
One significant update was the addition of a newly approved provider for Clinical Assistants (ClAs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) – Berkley Canada. The Council Policy includes:
- Reaffirming the requirement for all practicing registrants to maintain professional liability insurance or coverage as a condition of holding a valid certificate of practice.
- Clarifying acceptable forms of coverage.
- Providing exemptions for ClAs and PAs who provide written evidence from their employer that:
- they practice only under an approved contract of supervision, and
- any liability claims will be covered by the employer or supervisor’s insurance.
Why This Matters to CAs and PAs
Over time, CPSM has heard concerns from ClAs and PAs about transparency in how professional liability coverage is documented and communicated. Several have expressed uncertainty about the extent of coverage and whether their coverage extends to participation in regulatory investigations or civil legal proceedings, especially when coverage is provided through an employer or supervising physician.
ClAs and PAs should be aware of what the coverage or insurance they have covers and what it does not. In this respect, employers/supervisors that arrange for coverage are expected to ensure CAs or PAs can effectively review the scope of coverage.
The Council Policy emphasizes that coverage must extend to all areas of professional practice, yet coverage may not always include participation in regulatory matters. This is a critical safeguard for registrants who may be called upon to provide evidence, respond to complaints, or defend their professional conduct.
It is particularly important for ClAs and PAs to be clear on whether this important component of coverage is provided as part of their plan. In approving Berkley Canada, the Council was advised this firm generally provides limited coverage for ‘Disciplinary Legal Expenses.’