International Organization of Nutritional Consultants

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Professional Liability Insurance &
the Nutritional Consultant

By Andrew Spencer BAH

For better or worse, we live in an increasingly litigious society.

On one hand, it can be argued that the consumer is better off since the professional is now more accountable than ever to their clients’ needs and safety.

On the other hand, today’s professional is additionally constricted by their susceptibility to lawsuits…lawsuits that are often unfairly grounded and unavoidable. Consequently, if you fit the billing of a professional, you are a potential target for paralyzing legal action!

A professional is a person who “embraces both a mental or intellectual exercise within a recognized discipline and the application of special skill, knowledge, and training to the particular function in question.”

A nutritional consultant clearly falls within this category. The world relies on your know-how to “educate individuals and groups about the benefits of a sound nutritional program and healthy lifestyle to encourage the body to achieve optimum health.” The majority of those who read this article, will have a number of degrees and certificates gracing your wall, authenticating this expertise. And, all of you, because of your human nature will err at some point while sharing or applying it.

WHAT WILL THE REPERCUSSIONS BE?

Peace of mind is hard to come by when you operate daily with the knowledge that some bad luck or an innocent mistake can destroy everything that you worked so hard to achieve. Obtaining Professional Liability Insurance, also known as Errors & Omissions Insurance or Malpractice Insurance, is a means of acquiring some peace of mind. With one less worry to fight for your attention, it is so much easier to perform your daily functions with a safety net below you.

Professional Liability shields your personal assets and will help to maintain your good name through the defence of allegations of wrongdoing, which may be frivolous or false. When a professional is an employee of a clinic or company, the firm - as the employer - is generally responsible for the actions of an employee. However, a court of law may find you personally responsible for an incident that occurred due to an error, omission or negligent act committed by you as a professional individual.

A Professional Liability policy offers you one less concern, knowing that you have independent coverage…

…and that is for the better!