Section 519-B:11 Medical Malpractice Panel and Insurance Oversight Committee Established.
I. There is established a committee to study medical malpractice insurance rates in this state and the mandatory panels for medical injury claims process.
II. The committee shall consist of 4 members of the senate appointed by the senate president, and 4 members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. The house members shall include at least:
(a) One member of the house judiciary committee.
(b) One member of the house health, human services and elderly affairs committee.
(c) One member of the house commerce committee.
III. The members of the committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Five members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.
IV. Members of the committee shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the committee.
V. The committee shall review and analyze information provided by the administrative office of the courts and the insurance department related to medical injury liability claim activity in order to determine the effectiveness of mandatory screening panels for medical injury claims established in this chapter. The committee's review shall include, but not be limited to, whether medical malpractice insurance premiums have been affected and whether there has been any limitation of access to the courts by injured parties.
VI. (a) The committee shall make an interim report of its findings about medical liability insurance rates and the mandatory panel process and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate president, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before December 1, 2008.
(b) The committee shall make a final report of its findings about medical liability insurance rates and the mandatory panel process and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate president, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before December 1, 2010. The report shall include a recommendation to terminate, continue, or amend RSA 519-B.
Source. 2005, 197:1, eff. Aug. 29, 2005.