Provider Participation
The Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program offers unique protections and benefits for physicians, hospitals, and—most importantly—qualifying children and their families. Participation provides peace of mind, legal protection, and long-term support in the event of a qualifying birth injury. HospitalsPhysiciansPhysicians
As an obstetrician, family practice physician who delivers babies, or nurse midwife, participation helps protect both your patients and your practice.
1. Best Possible Care for the Child
If a qualifying birth injury occurs, the child will receive lifetime medical care along with additional benefits such as housing and transportation assistance, and a worker’s compensation–style wage benefit between the ages of 18 and 65.
A Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission report found that children in the Program fare better than those receiving a tort remedy.*
2. Avoid Costly and Time-Consuming Court Cases
Qualifying claims are handled administratively through the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, saving you the time, cost, and stress of litigation.
By law, participating physicians are entitled to a malpractice coverage credit from their insurance carrier. In many cases, this credit covers most or all of the Program participation cost.
4. No-Fault Protection
Qualifying events are not reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, preserving your professional record.
5. Flexible Enrollment
You may join the Program at any time during the year. Fees are prorated, though state law requires a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
Note: Physicians who believe they may qualify for an exemption from the annual assessment can view details on the Exemptions page.
*Source: Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) report on the Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program
Hospitals
As a delivering hospital, participation helps protect your patients and your facility.
1. Best Possible Care for the Child
Like physicians, hospitals ensure that qualifying children receive lifetime medical care and other benefits. Program participation helps patients access more comprehensive support than traditional legal remedies.
2. Avoid Costly Litigation
Qualifying claims are resolved through the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, avoiding the expense, disruption, and uncertainty of a court case.
3. Malpractice Insurance Credit
Participating hospitals are entitled to a malpractice coverage credit from their insurance carrier. The amount varies by provider.
4. No-Fault Approach
The Program’s purpose is to ensure access to care and support qualifying children—not to assign blame.
5. Flexible Enrollment
Hospitals may join the Program at any time. Fees are prorated, but coverage begins only after a 30-day waiting period as required by law.
Have Questions?
Find answers to common inquiries on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
If you need further assistance, please contact us. Our team is happy to help!