Lewis & Clark LTC RRG merges with Sophia Palmer Nurses RRG

Lewis & Clark LTC RRG, Inc., the nationwide provider of liability insurance to long-term care facilities, has merged with Sophia Palmer Nurses RRG, Inc., Sanford Elsass, President of The Uni-Ter Group, administrator of both Risk Retention Groups (RRG), announced.

Sophia Palmer RRG was established in 2006 to provide nurses in Florida with professional liability coverage that was not available in the traditional insurance market. As a result of the merger, availability of coverage will be extended to nurses in 48 states served by Lewis & Clark.

"Sophia Palmer's successful experience in serving nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians' assistants, and allied healthcare professionals in Florida led us to extend coverage across the country through the merger with Lewis & Clark," Elsass said. "The Uni-Ter Companies will continue to underwrite, administer, risk manage, and handle Sophia Palmer claims, so rest assured you will still receive exceptional service and commitment," Elsass advised current policyholders.

The merger will permit nurses to keep their insurance when they move from state to state -- a major benefit not previously available. As an RRG, policyholders are shareholders. They own the company. Under the merger, nurses holding stock in Sophia Palmer will receive equivalent shares of Lewis & Clark.

Through the merger, coverage will be open to additional professional classes of allied healthcare providers and facilities. Existing policies will be converted to Lewis & Clark at renewal so medical practitioners covered by existing policies will not need to take any action.

The merger went into effect December 4, 2009 upon approval of both Boards of Directors.