What are typical professional liability reporting obligations when a malpractice claim arises in Oklahoma?

• A. Respond to claims, cooperate with investigations, report settlements as required, maintain liability insurance and records.
• B. Ignore it until court records are public.
• C. Retire from practice.
• D. Only report if the claim is proven in court.

Answer: (A)

When a malpractice claim arises, the professional must act promptly to address it, not ignore it. The typical obligations involve acknowledging the claim, responding to it, and cooperating with any investigations by the board or the insurer. If required by state rules, board regulations, or the malpractice policy, settlements and resolutions should be reported. Keeping up-to-date professional liability insurance and maintaining complete records of the claim, communications, and any settlement or disposition are essential to ensure proper defense and compliance. These steps protect patients, support accurate regulatory oversight, and help the licensee navigate the claims process.

Ignoring the claim until court records become public bypasses required oversight and can lead to disciplinary action. Retirement does not fulfill ongoing duties or protect public safety. And reporting only after a court verdict is not appropriate, since many claims are investigated and reported before trial, and professional obligations attach to the claim event itself rather than the outcome.