Pharmacy Liability Insurance Ohio Policy Information
Pharmacy Liability Insurance Ohio. The role of pharmacies continues to expand, including providing consultations and vaccinations. With this expansion comes increased exposure for liability claims. In a recent claim study, the two most common allegations against pharmacies were wrong drug and wrong dose. Together, these two allegations comprised 75% of all lawsuits against pharmacies.
Drug stores sell prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to customers. Operations can range from the small pharmacy that only fills prescriptions, to retail stores that offer pharmacy services along with the sale of sundries, to huge super or discount drug stores that sell all varieties of general merchandise.
Pharmacy's can be locally owned, attached to and related to physicians' offices, clinics, or hospitals, or part of a regional or national chain or franchise. Medical supplies and equipment rentals may be part of the operations. Lunch counters or cafeterias may be on premises. Food items or snacks may be sold. Some will offer a variety of services that have little or no relationship to drug sales, such as cosmetic or beauty supplies or even beauty shops, shoe repair, or key duplication. Alcoholic beverages may be sold for off-premises consumption. Some may offer health care services, including sports physicals and the administration of vaccines.
Most pharmacy liability insurance Ohio policies are in the form of a Business Owners Policy (BOP). A BOP typically offers small businesses coverage for property and liability risks in one package.
How Does A Pharmacy Insurance Policy Work?
The aim of a pharmacy liability insurance Ohio policy is to ensure that if a claim is filed against you, you are protected - whether it be in court or at work. Some policies will cover attorney fees and other legal expenses, pay you for lost wages while taking time off work to defend yourself, and even offer reimbursement for licensing board issues.
What To Look For When Purchasing Drug Store Commercial Insurance
When purchasing a pharmacy liability insurance Ohio policy, people should always buy from an agent who understands and can explain all the details of the policy and is also familiar with the pharmacy business. Another thing to look for is who and what is insured under the policy. This is important as the pharmacy owner will want to know who exactly is insured under their policy and what they are covered against.
Ohio Drug Store's And Pharmacies' Risks & Exposures
Premises liability exposure comes from slips and falls due to public access to the premises. Floor coverings must be in good condition with no frayed or worn spots on carpet and no cracks or holes in flooring. Steps and uneven floor surfaces should be prominently marked. Sufficient exits must be provided and be well marked, with backup lighting systems in case of power failure. Extra care must be taken to provide adequate aisle space and waiting areas as some customers may be sick or have impaired mobility.
The rental of medical equipment can result in additional injuries to customers who already have health problems. Equipment must be inspected and maintained after each use. Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls. If the business is open after dark, there should be adequate lighting and appropriate security for the area. Personal injury exposure can arise from invasion of customers' privacy should confidential medical information be released to unauthorized sources.
There is also the exposure from apprehending and detaining suspected shoplifters. The use of closed-circuit camera systems prevents such incidents from evolving into a "he said, she said" situation. Employees must be trained to deal with all such delicate situations properly.
Products and professional exposure are tied together. The training, experience, background, and expertise of anyone handling and dispensing of drugs are very high concerns and need thorough review. Most states require that only health care professionals with appropriate credentials be permitted to issue prescriptions. However, recent legislation has opened prescription-writing to druggists in certain states, substantially increasing the exposure to loss in those states.
Some drugstores now offer limited health care services including screenings and the administrating of vaccines. If performed by an employee, proper licensure is required. If performed by a vendor, certificates of insurance showing professional liability are required.
If liquor is sold, employees must be trained to verify that customers are not underage and to recognize signs of intoxication.
Workers compensation exposure is due to lifting which can cause back injury, hernias, sprains, and strains, and from slips and falls. Employees should be provided with safety equipment, trained on proper handling techniques, and have conveying devices available to assist with heavy lifting. Shelves should be easily accessible for storage. Stepladders should be available.
Housekeeping in storage areas is vital to prevent trips and falls. In any retail business, hold-ups are possible. Employees should be trained to respond in a prescribed manner. Cooking operations can result in cuts, slips, falls, and burns. Delivery drivers may be subject to robbery if they transport high value street drugs.
Property exposure may be low if ignition sources are limited to electrical wiring, heating and cooling equipment. Oxygen tanks can explode and should be kept away from heat sources. If there is food service, cooking equipment must be properly protected with fire extinguishers close at hand. If a fire should occur, the loss could be substantial as the FDA requires most drug and alcohol stocks exposed to fire or smoke to be destroyed due to the possibility of contamination.
Theft is a major exposure due to the amount of narcotics and other popular street drugs kept on hand, liquor and tobacco products. Individual items may be shoplifted. Appropriate security measures must be taken including physical barriers to prevent entrance after hours and an alarm system that reports directly to a central station or the police department.
Business interruption exposure can be high if alternative facilities are not available after a loss.
Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities either from holdup or safe burglary. Background checks should be conducted on all employees handling money. There must be separation of duties between persons handling deposits and disbursements and handling bank statements. Receipting, inventory monitoring, and regular auditing are important.
Money should be regularly collected from cash drawers and moved away from the collection area, preferably to a safe on premises. Bank drops should be made regularly to prevent a buildup of cash on the premises. Narcotics should be inaccessible to customers and non-pharmacy employees and under constant surveillance to reduce the possibility of inventory shortage.
Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable if the store offers credit, computers to transact sales and monitor inventory, and valuable papers and records due to customers' and vendors' records. Backup copies of all records, including computer records, should be made and stored off premises.
Business auto exposure may be limited to hired non-owned for employees running errands. If delivery services are provided, all employees driving vehicles must have valid licenses and acceptable MVRs. Vehicles must be regularly maintained with records kept.
It's hard to set a baseline rate for pharmacy insurance because it's based on a variety of factors unique to you and your company. Things like security features, liability issues, and the services that you provide will make a difference in the coverage you need, which ultimately determines your premium. Researching options and collecting quotes is your best bet before you buy.
The pharmacy industry is rapidly changing and expanding. With new and challenging practice areas come a proportional increase in exposure to professional liabilities. Pharmacy insurance is designed to safeguard your livelihood, your business, and your peace of mind.
Ohio Economic Data, Regulations & Commercial Insurance Minimum Requirements
If you're an entrepreneur, you know how important it is to research the location where you plan on setting up shop. No matter how how-quality and valuable the products and/or services your business offers may be, if you're situated in an area that isn't suitable for your operation (the wrong target demographic, a poor market, etc.), you just aren't going to achieve the success that you're hoping for.
If you're considering Ohio for your headquarters or for a new branch of your business, you definitely want to take the time to research the area before you set up shop. Below, we'll take a look at the economic trends of the Buckeye State, including employment rates and key industries that are thriving in the area. We'll also highlight some of the key forms of commercial insurance business owners need to carry when operating in Ohio.
Economic Trends for Business Owners In Ohio
The Buckeye State has seen a marked increase in job growth, which is indicated by the record low unemployment rate. According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, as of April, 2019, the rate of unemployment was 4.3 percent; the lowest it's been in more than 18 years. In April the previous year, the rate was 4.6 percent, a difference of .03 percent in 1 year; however, and more notably, the rate has dropped .01 percent in just one month, as it was 4.4 percent in March, 2019. July, 2001 was the last time Ohio saw such a low level of unemployment, when the rate was 4.2 percent.
In January, 2010, the rate was an astounding 11.1 percent, so it's safe to say that there has been a definite decrease in the number of jobless people in the Buckeye State, which is a strong indication of the overall economy of the state.
The greater Cincinnati area is one of the best places for businesses in Ohio, where smaller cities are seeing the largest growth. Examples include Blue Ash, Beachwood, Independence, Sharonville, and Springdale. Industries that are thriving in Ohio include:
Inventory or stock is the major property exposure for most retail operations. Because stock values tend to fluctuate or have significant peaks at certain times of the year, value reporting or peak season valuation options should be considered. Business income coverage, including business income from dependent properties coverage, may mean the difference between a retail operation staying in business or being forced into bankruptcy following a loss.
When the insured occupies a non-owned building, insurance coverage must be arranged for the insured’s interest in extensive improvements and betterments made to the premises.
Most retail businesses offer endless opportunities for a variety of criminal activities. For this reason, the coverages needed must be carefully evaluated. Holdup and robbery losses may be the most obvious concerns but employee theft, fraud and counterfeit money losses are also serious issues that cannot be dismissed.
Retail businesses are gaining greater exposure to international issues because of the growth in sales via the internet. As these sales increase, the added exposures faced by these retailers must be evaluated. While their operating horizons are expanding so are their potential loss exposures.
Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Business Income and Extra Expense, Equipment Breakdown, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits, Umbrella, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.
Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Computer Fraud, Forgery, Bailees Customers, Goods in Transit, Jewelers Block, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.