HSB 210: Relating to medical malpractice claims, including expert witness certificate of merit affidavits

What it does

This bill relates to expert witness certificate of merit affidavits in medical malpractice claims. A certificate of merit affidavit is a sworn statement from a medical expert that a claim for personal injury or wrongful death against a health care provider has merit. In an action for personal injury or wrongful death against a health care provider based upon alleged negligence in the practice of that profession or in patient care, the bill requires the plaintiff, within days of the defendant’s answer, to serve upon the defendant a certificate of merit affidavit for each expert witness who will testify with respect to the issues of standard of care, breach of standard of care, and causation.

House subcommittee · named February 19, 2025

• Rep. Ann Meyer (R) · ann.meyer@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Shannon Lundgren (R) · shannon.lundgren@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell (D) · beth.wessel-kroeschell@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 8 for, 8 against

For: American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists; COPIC; Iowa Academy of Family Physicians; Iowa Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers; Iowa Hospital Association; Iowa Independent Physician Group; Iowa Medical Society; UnityPoint Health

Against: COPIC; Central Iowa Physicians; Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers; Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa Hospital Association; Iowa Independent Physician Group; Iowa Medical Society; Iowa State Bar Association

In plain words

1. February 19, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Health and Human Services committee
2. February 19, 2025House subcommittee named: Meyer, A., Lundgren and Wessel-Kroeschell