H7646

Establishes a tribunal to screen medical malpractice actions before they proceed in superior court.

This bill creates a medical malpractice tribunal to screen medical malpractice actions before they proceed in superior court. The tribunal consists of a justice of the superior court, an attorney, and a healthcare provider. The tribunal hears an offer of proof from the plaintiff and determines if the evidence is sufficient to raise a legitimate question of liability. If the tribunal finds the evidence sufficient, the action proceeds in superior court. If not, the plaintiff must post a bond of $6,000 to continue the action, unless the court reduces the bond due to indigence or undue hardship.