Texas Senate Bill SB1106

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the qualifications of experts in certain health care liability claims.

Impact

The passage of SB1106 is expected to affect how health care liability claims are adjudicated in Texas by ensuring that expert opinions can be rendered by a more qualified pool of witnesses, particularly in cases involving chiropractors. This change is believed to provide legitimacy to claims against chiropractors and enhance the ability of injured parties to seek justice when there is a question of medical malpractice. However, this could also lead to an increase in litigation related to health care services.

Summary

SB1106 focuses on amending the qualifications for expert witnesses in cases involving health care liability claims. Specifically, it revises definitions within the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to broaden the criteria for who can testify as an expert regarding the standard of care for various health care providers. This includes provisions for chiropractors, podiatrists, and dentists, aiming to clarify the types of professionals who can provide opinions on the causal relationship between alleged negligence and the harm experienced by a patient.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding SB1106 is the potential implications it may have on the health care liability landscape. Advocates of the bill argue that it allows patients greater access to claims by ensuring that experts relevant to specific fields can testify, thereby promoting accountability within various health care practices. On the other hand, critics fear that it may lead to a surge in frivolous lawsuits or increase costs associated with liability insurance for providers, which could be passed onto consumers.