Non-Participating Providers
The NICA Plan, supported in part by participating OBGYN’s, is augmented by annual assessments paid by all Florida physicians and hospitals.
NICA is an important step in Tort Reform for the Medical Community
Unlike other tort reforms that simply limit the amount of money that may be awarded through malpractice litigation, the State of Florida has created a system that resolves certain catastrophic claims in a streamlined, administrative forum intended to be in lieu of costly legal proceedings in circuit court.
Because insurance spreads risk, all physicians have benefited from NICA. Although only OBGYN’s have direct coverage, the malpractice premiums for all Florida physicians have been lower for many years because most of the truly catastrophic claims have been covered by NICA – not the tort system.
Why NICA?
Since 1988, NICA has provided a timely and cost-efficient method for allocating resources where they’re needed most – to the families of young children with specified birth-related injuries. Because NICA awards are made on a no-fault basis, the need for involvement by attorneys is minimal – in many cases, a lawyer may not be required at all. The result is that a much greater percentage of resources from the NICA Plan go to pay for direct care than is the case with litigation. While in general, only 60% of the money awarded by courts for similar cases goes to the plaintiffs – and the remaining 40% is spent on legal fees – the plaintiff legal fees paid out by NICA represent less than one percent of the total benefits awarded through the Plan. That means that a far greater percentage of NICA’s resources go directly to the families of children and adults with birth-related injuries than is the case with financial awards resulting from malpractice litigation.
Non-participating physicians can pay the mandatory annual assessment online.
Exemptions
Some physicians may be exempt from paying the assessment. Explanation and documentation required for Florida licensed physicians currently exempt from paying the assessment.
FAQ
How often do I have to pay the NICA assessment?
Annually
When is the NICA assessment due?
Before January 1st
Do I pay $5,000 or $250?
All physicians that hold a Florida medical license are required to pay the $250 assessment. If you practice obstetrics in Florida and would like to be covered, you will pay the $5,000 assessment. (See Participating Providers section for more information)
Do I have to pay?
If you work in a medically related field, hold a Florida medical license (Active, Inactive or Delinquent status), and do not meet the requirements of any of our exemptions, you are responsible for the assessment.
What if I don’t live in Florida?
Working outside of the state of Florida is not an exemption.
How do I know if I hold a limited license?
If you hold a license that begins with ME or OS, it is not a limited license. All limited licenses begin with LL.
How can I pay?
By credit card on our website or with a check made payable to NICA.
Mailing Address
PO Box 14567, Tallahassee, FL 32317
Overnight Address
2324 Killearn Center Blvd, Ste 101, Tallahassee, FL 32309
Phone # 850-488-8191
Fax # 850-922-5369 or 850-487-2213
Board of Medicine Phone Numbers
License begins with ME – 850-245-4131
License begins with OS – 850-245-4135