Professional Liability for Sober Homes: What It Covers and Why You Can’t Afford to Skip It

For sober living home operators, the concept of “professional liability” insurance can sometimes be confusing. Many assume their general liability policy covers all their needs, especially if they believe they aren’t offering clinical or medical services. However, as Chris Graham, an expert with Bittner Henry Insurance Group, frequently emphasizes, this is a critical misunderstanding that leaves sober homes vulnerable to significant financial risk.

The Common Misconception: “I Don’t Offer Professional Services”

Chris often encounters operators who question the necessity of professional liability coverage. “Oftentimes, especially with sober living homes, one of the things we hear is, ‘Well, I don’t really offer professional services,’ or ‘Why do I need professional liability coverage?'” he explains.

The pushback is almost universal: “That’s the number one pushback that we hear is that, ‘Well, that’s what I have general liability for.'” But Chris quickly clarifies the crucial distinction: “General liability only really covers if you hurt someone or if you break something, not the professional services that you cover.”

What Constitutes “Professional Service” in a Sober Home?

The definition of a professional service in the context of a sober home is broader than many realize. It encompasses the core promise and responsibility you undertake when providing a structured, supportive environment for individuals in recovery.

“You are providing a professional service. You’re providing a promise, a covenant with the person or the people who are staying in your sober living home. You are providing a service for them for what you are offering,” Chris states.

This means that any alleged failure in the standard of care or service you provide, even if it’s non-clinical, could lead to a professional liability claim.

Real-World Scenarios Where Professional Liability is Essential

Chris offers stark examples of incidents that fall squarely under professional liability, not general liability:

• Bed Bugs: “We’ve had instances where someone had bed bugs and got sued. And so that falls under professional care, lack of care.” This highlights how even facility management issues, when they impact resident well-being, can trigger such claims.
• Overdoses and Suicides: “We’ve had someone overdose, suicides. All of that does not fall under general liability because you’re not doing something to someone there. Something is happening while they are under your care.” These tragic events directly relate to the environment and oversight provided by the sober home, making professional liability indispensable.

If a resident claims harm or negligence stemming from the services or environment you’re contracted to provide- even if it’s not medical treatment- professional liability is your defense. It covers claims alleging errors, omissions, or negligence in the professional duties and services you render.

Don’t Leave Yourself Exposed

Skipping professional liability coverage because you believe your services aren’t “clinical” is a dangerous oversight. The costs associated with defending a lawsuit, even if meritless, can be astronomical, let alone the potential for large settlements or judgments if found liable.

Chris’s advice is unequivocal: “It’s really important to make sure that you have that professional liability coverage. Errors and omissions coverage is how some people list it.”

By understanding that professional liability protects against claims arising from the core promise of care and supervision within your sober home, operators can ensure they have the comprehensive coverage necessary to safeguard their vital mission and financial stability. Are you confident that your current policy adequately covers all aspects of the professional care you provide?