Posted in: | Mar 23,2025
Misconceptions about medical malpractice can prevent patients from recognizing negligence and seeking justice in certain situations. Some assume they can only hold licensed physicians accountable for malpractice. Many often have misconceptions of physician assistant (PA) and nurse practitioner (NP) roles, responsibilities, and the legal implications of their actions. These misunderstandings can make it difficult for victims to take the right legal steps, but experienced hospital negligence lawyers can empower patients by debunking common myths involving PAs and NPs.
Myth #1: Patients Can’t Sue Nurses and Assistants
One of the most common misconceptions is that patients can’t hold NPs and PAs legally accountable for negligence. However, healthcare professionals, including nurses and assistants, must adhere to the same medical standards as doctors. If they fail to provide appropriate care and a patient suffers harm, nurses and physician assistants can be the target of a medical malpractice lawsuit.
If a PA misdiagnoses a serious condition and delays critical treatment, or an NP prescribes the wrong medication dosage and causes severe side effects, the provider’s failure to meet acceptable professional standards can make them legally liable.
While NPs and PAs often work under physician supervision, they are ultimately responsible for the care they provide. If an NP or PA fails to act within their training, disregards a patient’s symptoms, or neglects to seek physician input when necessary, they can face legal consequences.
Myth #2: The Supervising Physician Is Always Responsible
Because NPs and PAs work under the oversight of physicians, many patients assume the supervising doctor is automatically responsible for any mistakes. While physicians play a role in guiding care and treatment, medical malpractice liability depends on the situation.
If a supervising doctor fails to review critical medical decisions or provides incorrect instructions, they may share responsibility for the medical negligence. However, when an NP or PA makes an independent error—such as misinterpreting test results or administering the wrong treatment—they may be solely liable.
Every medical malpractice case is unique, and determining responsibility requires a thorough investigation. Legal professionals must thoroughly examine and investigate the provider’s actions, the level of supervision involved, and whether negligence occurred.
Myth #3: Malpractice by NPs and PAs Is Rare
With growing demand for healthcare services, NPs and PAs are taking on more responsibilities than ever. While many provide excellent care, malpractice cases involving these providers are more common than people realize.
According to the Indiana Department of Health’s Medical Errors Reporting System, Hoosier healthcare facilities average more than 100 medical errors annually. Nationwide, the National Practitioner Data Bank’s records show that 2023 saw an all-time high of 1,143 medical malpractice payment reports involving nurses or physician assistants.
Research shows that diagnostic errors are among the most frequent malpractice claims involving NPs and PAs. These errors can lead to delayed treatment, worsening conditions, and serious health consequences. Medication mistakes, failure to follow up on test results, and inadequate patient assessments also contribute to malpractice cases.
As healthcare facilities rely more on NPs and PAs to manage patient care, understanding their legal responsibilities becomes essential. Patients should know that malpractice isn’t limited to physicians. Any provider who fails to meet professional standards can be held accountable.
Myth #4: Only Major Errors Count as Malpractice
Another common myth is that only catastrophic mistakes, like a significant surgical error or a fatal misdiagnosis, qualify as malpractice. In reality, even seemingly minor errors can have serious consequences.
For example, prescribing the wrong medication may seem like a small oversight, but it can lead to dangerous drug interactions and adverse reactions. A missed or delayed diagnosis might not seem urgent at first, but could lead to a life-altering loss of senses or worse if it allows a serious condition to progress.
Malpractice is about more than just what appear to be large-scale medical disasters. It includes any situation where a trusted provider’s negligence leads to patient harm. If any patient suffers due to an NP or PA’s mistake, they have the right to explore their legal options.
Understand Your Rights and Move Forward with Montross Miller
If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to the negligence of a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, seek legal advice. Common misconceptions about potential medical malpractice by nurses or assistants should never prevent a patient from pursuing justice.
Montross Miller’s hospital negligence lawyers have decades of experience handling complex medical malpractice cases. Our team can help victims clarify provider roles, investigate liability, and build a strong case. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and guide you on your best path forward through the legal process with compassion and expertise.
