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WHEN DO I NEED TO PURCHASE MEDICAL EXPENSE COVERAGE?

We all appreciate the time and effort of our volunteers. They are one of the most important assets our organizations have. With that in mind, we would hate to think that in the event of a covered accident, our volunteers may be responsible for paying for their own medical expenses. But it does happen.

At ENPICA, we encourage you to look into accident Medical Expense Coverage. This low cost solution can make a world of difference for your volunteer staff.

Here are the benefits that Accident Medical Expense coverage provides:

Hospital bills, including room and board
Emergency room and outpatient treatment
Medical or surgical treatment by a licensed doctor
Prescription drugs and medicines
Services of a licensed or graduate nurse
Dental care for injury to sound and natural teeth
Ambulance expenses from the covered accident site to the hospital.

Get a quote today and find the value in Accident Medical Expense Coverage

DO I NEED TO GET BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR VOLUNTEERS?

Many organizations are following the example of the private sector. Their ultimate goal is to verify identity and weed out potential problems, especially problems that could arise from an undisclosed criminal history.

The National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics (SEARCH) issued The Report of the National Task Force on the Criminal Backgrounding of America which examines the growing demand for criminal background screening and lists the following reasons why volunteer organizations conduct criminal background checks:

Public safety
Compliance with legal requirements
Limitation of liability
Conditions of doing business
Protection of vulnerable populations
Customer assurance
Avoidance of loss of business
Fear of business loss, or public or medical backlash over an incident caused by an individual with a past record

ENPICA understands the importance of promoting a safe environment for you and your organization. We offer a package that is both comprehensive and validated It includes the following:

If you would like to learn more about our screening services, please contact us.

DOES MY ORGANIZATION NEED CYBER LIABILITY COVERAGE?

A large majority of non-profit and social service executive directors, boards of directors and risk managers are not aware that their standard insurance coverages (Commercial GL, Property, D&O, crime) typically don’t provide proper coverage for cyber liability. Most employees and IT professionals don’t know that they (along with their organization) have an exposure to cyber risks and how that exposure can pose a significant financial threat to their institutions. ENPICA is here to make sure you are covered.

Financial Threats to Your Institution:
Costs to comply with federal and/or state required notification. Per individual, the average cost per record is estimated at $203
Regulatory proceedings(including fines and penalties) as a result of a privacy breach. This includes HIPAA violations
Employees (teachers, volunteers) and/or groups of affected individuals(alumni, current students, parents) suing for damages as a result of a privacy breach
Liability for the transmission of malicious code to an outside party
Denial of service attack on your network, causing computer system to go down and business interruption expenses
Intellectual property/privacy lawsuits. These include libel/slander arising out of content that is on your internet or intranet sites

Any Non-Profit or Social Service organization that…

Obtains social security numbers, drivers license numbers, bank account numbers of clients or employees
Has access to patient medical records
Is in the process of going ‘paperless’ or keeps paper files onsite
Provides online access to sensitive data
Allows laptops or access to their network from a remote location
Relies on their computer network on a daily basis
…carries a significant exposure to cyber risk.

DO I NEED EVENT INSURANCE?

In a perfect world, no wedding or special event would be affected by extreme weather, no show vendors, or accidents. But sometimes there are circumstances out of your control. Sometimes you must cancel an event that you have planned for months. And sometimes, an accident occurs and you become responsible for repair costs.

In a society where litigation runs rampant, it’s always best to protect yourself, your reputation and your guests’ welfare. Event insurance is an excellent way to do that. It provides a layer of protection for everyone’s investment.

ENPICA offers you an easy, affordable way to purchase event insurance.

There are two major categories of event insurance that you should consider.

Event cancellation coverage may reimburse you for lost deposits and other fees should something unexpected force you to delay or cancel your function. If your photographer closes shop suddenly, you will likely be covered for the cost of the lost deposit and potentially unexpected charges from having to book another photographer at the last minute. If your officiant breaks his leg the day before the wedding and you are forced to postpone, this coverage may help cover any fees associated with rescheduling the venue, caterer and other vendors.
Event liability coverage may help protect you if you are found responsible for property damage or an injury caused during your event. If the band you hired damages a wall with its gear, for example, this coverage may help pay for repairs. Some policies also cover incidents caused by guests. For example, if someone gets a little wild on the dance floor and trips a waiter as he walks by, event liability coverage may help pay for medical expenses resulting from an injury.

There are additional coverages that you may consider as well. One of the more frequently purchased ones covers Social Host exposure.

Liquor liability coverage provides an extra layer of protection for events where alcohol is served. Under Arizona law, a social host is not liable for injuries suffered as a result of someone who attended a party and injured someone while intoxicated. However, there are two exceptions to this general rule. First, if the social host is licensed to sell or provide alcoholic beverages that person can be held responsible. And second, if the intoxicated person is under the legal drinking age, then the social host can be held responsible.

Most of us do not realize that our regular insurance will not cover these special events and claims can be expensive. For example,

During a fundraising event. the claimant tripped over an electrical cord that was taped to the floor and sustained a knee injury. This was a $2,500 claim.
A $25,000 claim alleged Liquor Liability after an intoxicated person left the insured’s fundraising event and injured a third party in an auto accident.
At a winter antique show, the claimant allegedly cut her lip when a glass she was drinking from broke. This was a $10,000 claim.

ENPICA would like to help you protect your investment. Click on the appropriate link below and complete the application. We will contact you.

Event Cancellation Coverage Application

Event Liability Coverage Application

DOES YOUR CTSO ASSOCIATION NEED A FOUNDATION?

Here at ENPICA we often get questions from our associations about whether a foundation would impact their organization and how its role and the role of its board are different. We would like to take this opportunity to talk about the difference between the two types of organizations, and perhaps encourage you to think about how establishing a foundation might benefit the important work you do for the students you serve.

A local or state association is tasked with providing and managing the multitude of student programs contained in the co-curricular activities of its partner schools, including organizing and coordinating a variety of classroom and regional activities. Each association works with their national association to develop these programs and to create events and competitions for student members to showcase their skills. Most, if not all, associations have a Board of Directors or Advisory Board to oversee the creation of Bylaws and membership requirements and to help with the many activities of the association such as event coordination and competition judging.

Some associations have realized the need to form a separate non-profit entity in the form of a foundation to manage the fiscal resources and responsibilities related to the association. Foundation Boards of Directors or Advisory Boards are usually comprised of individuals who have financial and legal savvy and understand the importance of sound financial management and developing effective and responsible budgets. Foundations may be minimally involved with program supervision or event organization.

Associations who have established foundations understand the importance of having a separate organization that is in charge of raising some of the funds needed for the association to operate, including organizing fundraising activities and applying for appropriate grants. Additionally, having a foundation can simplify finances in the event of a leadership change. This frees up valuable time for the association and allows them to focus on what they do best – helping students achieve their career and technical education goals. Perhaps equally important, should an association compromise or lose their national charter, having a separate foundation in charge of fiscal matters can reduce the likelihood of the national organization acquiring the assets of the association.

As the experts in CTSO Risk Management, ENPICA understands and acknowledges the unique position these associations have in the education arena and the value they contribute to their communities. Because we truly care about what you do, and believe in the Mission of your work, we want you to be protected from events that can prevent you from delivering the services you work so hard to develop and implement. As separate entities, both associations and foundations should be insured against risk. We have a number of products that can protect your organization and events as well as your directors and officers. If you have any questions about this article, or would like additional information, a free risk assessment, or an insurance quote, please feel free to contact us.

CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE vs. DECLARATIONS PAGES

At ENPICA , we have noticed that there is some confusion among our clients regarding whether to request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) or a Declarations page (Dec page) when asked to provide proof of insurance to a third party. We understand…it CAN be confusing! Below, we have provided a definition for each of these documents and an explanation of the significant difference between the two.

CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE

A Certificate of Insurance provides all of the information needed for proof of insurance for a policy holder as well as any third-party named additional interests or insured. This document is usually one page and contains the issuing insurance company name and contact information, the insured’s name, policy number and effective and expiration dates. Additionally, the certificate outlines the types of coverage contained in the policy and their limits of liability. A Certificate of Insurance also includes the name of the organization (additional insured/Certificate Holder) requesting the certificate and any conditions, exclusions or special language needed. This document is the most frequently requested form for entities requesting proof of insurance.

DECLARATIONS PAGE

A Declarations page serves as a one-page general summary of your insurance policy. It describes what coverage is contained within the policy, including the liability limits for each type of coverage provided. A Declarations page also includes the name and contact information of the insurance company providing the insurance, the insured’s name, the policy number, and the effective and expiration dates. This document does not include any conditions or exclusions that may apply to your policy or any specific language requested by the additionally insured.

Which document should you request from your insurance company? Both appear to provide the same, or similar, information, but there is one significant difference. A Certificate of Insurance provides an area to indicate the name and address of the organization requesting the proof of insurance, otherwise known as the Certificate Holder. The Certificate of Insurance also may contain the Certificate Holder’s special conditions, exclusions, or specific language needed. Neither of these can be added to a Declarations page.

So…next time you are asked by someone to provide them with proof of insurance, contact your insurance agency and request a Certificate of Insurance. A Declarations page can always be added, but in most cases the COI is all you need!

WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENT

There are many reasons you may need to contact your insurance company or agent. Sometimes you simply need to ask a general question or find out specific information regarding your policy. Other times, you have an emergency situation and need to file a claim or request advice. Below, we have listed a variety of reasons you may need to contact either your agent or your insurance carrier. Although the list is not exhaustive, it does give you an idea of some of the most important reasons to call us.

CONTACT YOUR AGENT

You have questions about your policy, coverage, or bill
You need a Certificate of Insurance or Declarations page
You need to make a change to your policy such as add coverage
You would like an insurance quote
You need to renew your insurance policy
You would like a Risk Management Assessment, Safety Consultation, information about a customized Crisis Management Plan or our Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training.

CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE CARRIER

If you need to file a claim
If you need help to control or avoid a potential liability claim
If you have legal questions or believe that your situation may lead to legal action regarding your liability
If there has been a serious injury or loss of life
If you believe a crime for which you have liability coverage has been committed or you have been accused of such a crime
If you require public relations assistance regarding your insured organization’s liability

Of course, you may always call us here at ENPICA. We are happy to answer any questions or provide a free quote for your insurance needs. And remember, ENPICA is your risk management, safety and crisis plan experts! Don’t wait until it is too late…contact us today and let us know how we can help!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ABUSE, NEGLECT AND MANDATED REPORTING

Does your organization work with vulnerable populations such as children and teens? If so, then your employees, volunteers, and board members are most likely mandated reporters and required to report incidents such as abuse, including sexual abuse and molestation, and neglect. Some states even require employees at colleges and universities to report suspected acts of abuse.

What is a mandated reporter? A mandated reporter is someone who is “required to report suspected child maltreatment to an appropriate agency, such as child protective services, a law enforcement agency, or a State’s toll-free abuse reporting hotline.” (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2015). Such individuals, or institutions, normally are allowed to report abuse and neglect confidentially or anonymously and they are not required to prove that an act of abuse has happened. Instead, those who report an incident will be asked to give reasons why they suspect a vulnerable person has been abused or neglected and the state agency will investigate to determine whether or not abuse or neglect has occurred.

Being a mandated reporter is serious business. The failure to report can have a significant impact on an individual, their career, and the organization for which they work. While there are online resources available regarding mandated reporting, training sessions offered by a skilled and knowledgeable professional can help address the numerous questions and scenarios that arise. As your risk management specialists, ENPICA has a training program designed to help your employees, volunteers and board members understand their role and responsibilities as mandated reporters. For more information, please contact us today to make sure you are keeping your students and organization safe.

Source

Some information contained in this email may have been directly quoted or paraphrased from:

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov/ topics/systemwide/laws-policies/statutes/manda/.

IS THIS A GOOD IDEA?

At ENPICA, we are frequently asked during conference season if a particular activity or function is a good idea to implement at an event. Many of our clients are excited to bring something new and different to their students and we think that is a great idea! However…you may want to give us a call and run your idea by us first to discuss any potential risk and ensure this idea is covered by your policy.

As Risk Management experts, ENPICA tries to help clients understand that risk management is the job of everyone associated with the organization. Each person, from the Director to the volunteers and students, should consider how his or her actions might affect the association. Sometimes, a seemingly simple decision or action can have a significant impact and it can be helpful to brainstorm the idea with someone who can see things from a different perspective. ENPICA can assist you with that process.

If you are considering a new activity or program, or just want to discuss some great ideas to better engage your staff and students, call us. We are always happy to help and we love hearing about the great things you are doing to better serve your students. In the meantime, have a great conference!

WHY YOU NEED A CRISIS PLAN

Having a Crisis Management Plan can help you plan for the unexpected. Most organizations are all too familiar with situations that can derail their efforts to provide an outstanding product or service. Are you prepared for such an event? Is everything in place to help you manage a crisis and protect not only the reputation of your organization, but also your events, board members, volunteers, and other stakeholders? If you are a student organization, are you and your students protected from unwanted mishaps? While a Crisis Management Plan cannot address every possible situation that can happen, it does provide a framework for ensuring you are doing your best to keep your organization and its people safe.

There are a number of situations a Crisis Management Plan can address and for which your staff and board can be prepared. Does your organization know how to handle a major emergency such as an injury or accident? What about severe weather conditions or an outbreak of illness? With the increase in mass shootings and intruder threats, are you prepared to protect and handle such a crisis? With the right plan in place, you can definitely be closer to effectively managing these, and other, situations.

Not only can a well-developed Crisis Management Plan help you prepare for the unexpected, it can also enable you to communicate the necessary information to the appropriate people at the right time. Ensuring that no one panics and that everyone receives the correct information is key to containing a crisis and handling it effectively and efficiently. Knowing in advance what everyone needs to do and when lends a spirit of stability and confidence to the situation.

If you do not currently have a Crisis Management Plan in place, contact ENPICA today for information on how you can receive a customized plan to meet your need to protect and manage your staff, organization and events. We have developed a comprehensive plan that includes important information on a variety of situations as well as vital forms that can help you manage a crisis effectively. Let us help you prepare for the unexpected!