Connecticut House Bill HB05987

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/13
• Refer: 1/24/13

Caption

An Act Requiring Certification By The Department Of Public Health For Certain Expert Witnesses In Medical Malpractice Cases.

Impact

This legislation will have significant implications on the legal landscape pertaining to medical malpractice suits in the state. By requiring certification, the bill intends to safeguard the integrity of expert testimonies, thus potentially improving the quality of justice received by plaintiffs and defendants alike. The requirement could also create a more structured framework for the evaluation of expert witnesses, establishing clearer standards for qualification in the judicial system.

Summary

House Bill 05987 mandates that expert witnesses who testify in medical malpractice cases must be certified by the Department of Public Health. This requirement aims to ensure that only qualified individuals serve as expert witnesses in court, thereby potentially enhancing the reliability of testimonies presented in such cases. The bill proposes a fee of $150 for this certification, which will be issued by the Department of Public Health.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the impacts of this certification requirement on accessibility and fairness in legal proceedings. Critics could argue that imposing a certification fee may discourage qualified professionals from serving as expert witnesses, particularly if they are concerned about the associated costs. Additionally, there may be debates about the criteria used for certification and whether they adequately reflect the necessary qualifications for providing expert testimony in complex medical cases.