The bill proposes the establishment of a new chapter, CHAPTER 19.1, titled "Rhode Island Medical Liability Actions," within Title 10 of the General Laws concerning courts and civil procedure. This chapter introduces a medical malpractice tribunal that will screen all actions for malpractice, error, or mistake against healthcare providers before they can proceed to superior court. The tribunal will consist of a presiding superior court justice, an attorney licensed to practice law in the state, and a healthcare provider licensed to practice medicine in the state, selected from a similar specialty as the defendant where feasible. The tribunal is required to conduct hearings within 15 days of the defendant's answer being filed.

During the hearing, the plaintiff must present an offer of proof, which consists of evidence admissible at trial. The tribunal will determine whether the evidence presented is sufficient to raise a legitimate question of liability or if the plaintiff's case is merely an unfortunate medical result. The tribunal will not resolve disputed issues of fact, assess credibility, or determine damages.

If the tribunal finds the plaintiff's offer of proof sufficient, the action will proceed in superior court without further restrictions. If the tribunal finds the offer of proof insufficient, the plaintiff may continue the action only upon filing a bond of $6,000, conditioned upon payment of the defendant's taxable costs if the plaintiff does not prevail. The court may reduce the bond amount for indigent plaintiffs or those facing undue hardship, but cannot eliminate the requirement. Failure to post the required bond within 30 days of the tribunal's finding will result in dismissal of the action without prejudice.

The findings of the tribunal will be admissible as evidence at trial. Tribunal members, other than the presiding justice, will be compensated at a rate established by the chief justice of the supreme court, and costs associated with tribunal proceedings will be taxed as costs in the action at the court's discretion. The chief justice of the supreme court will also promulgate rules and fee schedules necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter. This act will take effect upon passage and will apply to all medical malpractice actions filed on or after January 1, 2027.