This bill proposes significant changes to the statute of limitations and damage awards for medical malpractice claims in Minnesota. Specifically, it reduces the statute of limitations for patients to file malpractice claims against health care providers from four years to two years. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that limit the collection of judgments against a health care provider's personal income or assets, allowing such collections only if the provider's conduct was willful and malicious or if they failed to maintain a minimum insurance policy of $1,000,000.

Furthermore, the bill establishes caps on damages awarded in malpractice cases. Economic damages are limited to the actual medical expenses incurred by the plaintiff, while noneconomic damages for pain and suffering are capped at $500,000. The bill also includes a provision that makes statements regarding a provider's personal income or assets inadmissible in court if made primarily to coerce a settlement. These changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to actions commenced on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 541.076