Current through the 2024 legislative session
Section 1-1-124 - Pretrial screening(a) The supreme court may promulgate rules to provide a screening procedure to expedite the prelitigation resolution of claims arising from any alleged act, error or omission in the rendering of licensed or certified professional or health care services. (b) The screening procedure authorized by this section shall be designed to reduce the burden of malpractice cases on the state judicial system and to encourage the prompt resolution of nonmeritorious claims. The expedited procedure may include the creation of professional review panels to review claims and to determine: (i) Whether there is substantial evidence that the acts complained of occurred, constituted malpractice and resulted in injury to the claimant; and (ii) A recommended award if requested by the parties. (c) The supreme court shall annually report to the joint judiciary interim committee the costs of operating the expedited screening procedure and shall submit a recommendation for the proration and assessment of costs among the professions subject to the pretrial screening procedure.