Proof of malpractice insurance is required of all Kent School students prior to the start of their practicum. This requirement applies equally to students doing an on-job practicum the same as it applies to students in a different placement.

It is strongly recommended that students apply for both membership and insurance between May 1st and July 1st, so your protection will be in effect and continue throughout the entire period of the practicum.

To join the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), students must provide proof of their acceptance to Kent School. For this proof, students may use a copy of their class schedule, or the letter of acceptance from Kent School with the student ID# written on it, or a copy of the student’s ID card. Membership in NASW is for a 12 month period and the membership fee of $45 is paid only once in that year, at the time of application.

Students may either submit an online application for NASW membership, using a credit card to pay the fee; or may print the application form, attach a check for payment and submit in the mail. Go to:www.socialworkers.org and click on “join NASW” and start the registration process.

For questions about NASW membership, call Karen Perry, 1-800-638-8799 ext. 247.

Send faxes to NASW at 1-202-336-8331, attention Annette Watkins.

To obtain malpractice insurance, a student must be a member of NASW to have student liability insurance coverage from the American Professional Agency (APA). Go to:www.americanprofessional.com and click on “get a quote” and then select “student.” Be sure to choose social work student and not the regular student application. Online application for malpractice insurance is not available; students must print the application and attach payment and submit this in the mail.

Insurance policies are written to take effect on the first day of the month following submission of the application and fee. Protection is for a 12 month period and the premium is paid only once in that year at the time of application. Students choose among three levels of protection for a fee of $23, or $35, or $41. There is a nominal surcharge and a municipality tax that must be added to the policy premium fee prior to submitting the payment, or the application will be rejected and returned to the student. You must call to ascertain the correct amount of the surcharge and the tax as these are geographically specific:1-800-421-6694.

If you are denied student level coverage because you work full-time in a social services capacity, you may be required to show proof of your existing professional liability protection from your employer or be required to purchase the professional level coverage. If you are denied because of a previous criminal record; or because of previous or pending legal matters, you may request a referral to other insurance companies who may be willing to offer you a liability policy for a higher premium.

Once you receive your insurance policy in the mail, send a copy of the sheet listed with your name and the time period of your coverage to the Kent School Practicum Office, attention Linda Exton, fax number 502-852-0422.

For questions about APA malpractice insurance, call 1-800-421-6694, ext. 265 and ask for Roseanne Bagnato.