In the very near future, I plan to introduce legislation, companion to Senate Bill 340 (Argall), which would provide measured and meaningful reform to Pennsylvania’s medical liability statutes. It strikes a critical balance between the rights of injured patients to seek redress and the need to protect healthcare providers from unsubstantiated or speculative claims.

In medical liability cases, certificates of merit and expert testimony serve as essential gatekeeping tools. However, under current law, inconsistencies in application, vague standards, and variable judicial interpretations have raised concerns about the reliability and fairness of outcomes. My bill addresses these concerns by tightening procedural requirements and ensuring that only qualified professionals can substantiate claims of medical negligence.

Specifically, this proposal:
  Reduces frivolous lawsuits by requiring claims to be supported by credible, licensed professionals.
  Protects healthcare providers from reputational harm and rising malpractice insurance costs, which can      ultimately drive up the cost of care.
  Enhances expert witness integrity by requiring experts to be licensed in Pennsylvania, actively practicing or teaching, and board-certified in the relevant specialty.
  Limits judicial waivers for expert qualifications, ensuring consistent application of standards.

At its core, these measures seek to reinforce public trust in the fairness, rigor, and efficiency of Pennsylvania’s medical liability system.

By raising the bar for expert testimony and procedural compliance, my bill promotes a more just, efficient, and credible legal process. For these reasons, I respectfully request my colleagues to join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.