Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc. (Darwin), (NYSE: DR) introduces a new risk-reduction program for obstetrical (OB) departments to address patient safety and clinical quality considerations. The program is offered to Darwin's medical professional liability policyholders and includes an assessment component, industry information, and education. Darwin's goals are to provide tools and resources to assist those professionals who provide obstetrical services and to support them with their patient safety efforts in this high-risk area.

As part of the program, Darwin's risk managers provide feedback on organizations' self-assessment results and identify common issues related to obstetrical claims, as well as best practices that can be shared. The educational piece of the OB program is licensed from Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona (MICA), and consists of three modules:

- Module 1 - Where the Losses Are, contains an overview of the program and specific areas of OB management such as Shoulder Dystocia and VBACs.

- Module 2 - Fetal Monitoring, is a review of strip findings and documentation.

- Module 3 - Risk Management, consists of strategies for effective teamwork, as well as information concerning the proper steps to take when medical malpractice is alleged and a discussion of paradigm shifts in patient safety.

Darwin offers policyholders premium reductions for successful completion of the program.

"Darwin firmly believes that patient safety and clinical quality are the foundations of risk management," states Susan Chmieleski, APRN, CPHRM, FASHRM, JD, vice president risk management and client services at Darwin. "The reduction of risk is a critical component of an organization's enterprise-wide risk-management planning. Our goal has always been to develop appropriate risk-management programs along with risk-transfer mechanisms for our policyholders. We recognize that health care organizations are often challenged to identify and obtain information and resources, particularly in high-risk clinical areas."

Important Information

Coverage descriptions in this press release are summaries only; all coverages will be determined by the policy as issued. Policies are available only through licensed surplus lines brokers. Additionally, this press release may contain projections, comments, and other forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Each forward looking statement is based on Darwin's plans and expectations, as well as on current events and industry trends. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and the actual outcomes or results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by any of these statements.

About Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc.

Darwin is a specialty insurance group based in Farmington, Connecticut. The company is focused on the professional liability insurance market and underwrites directors and officers ("D&O") liability for public and private companies, errors and omissions ("E&O") liability insurance, and medical malpractice liability insurance. Darwin member companies include Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc., Darwin National Assurance Company (DNA), and Darwin Select Insurance Company (Darwin Select). DNA and Darwin Select have earned a financial strength rating of "A- (Excellent)" from A.M. Best Company. Darwin is traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol, "DR."

For more information about Darwin, visit http://www.darwinpro.com/.