HF 256: Relating to the statute of repose in medical malpractice claims

What it does

This bill relates to the statute of repose for medical malpractice claims. Under current law, medical malpractice claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations and six-year statute of repose. A statute of limitations bars the right to bring an accrued action after a specified time, whereas a statute of repose terminates any right of action after a specified time, regardless of whether or not an injury has yet occurred.1(9)(a) requires that medical malpractice claims be brought within two years after the date on which the claimant knew, should have known through the use of reasonable diligence, or received notice in writing of the existence of, the injury or death for which damages are sought in the action, whichever of the dates occurs first.

House subcommittee · named February 11, 2025

• Rep. Brian K. Lohse (R) · brian.lohse@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Brian Meyer (D) · brian.meyer@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Henry Stone (R) · henry.stone@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 4 for, 7 against

For: Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers; Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council

Against: American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists; COPIC; Central Iowa Physicians; Iowa Hospital Association; Iowa Independent Physician Group; Iowa Insurance Associates; Iowa Medical Society

In plain words

1. February 6, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. February 11, 2025House subcommittee named: Lohse, Meyer, B. and Stone
3. February 17, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it