H.B. No. 0083

Medical review panel-2.

 

Sponsored By:                    Joint Judiciary Interim Committee

 

AN ACT relating to the medical review panel; repealing existing statutes relating to the medical review panel; recreating the medical review panel; specifying the creation of the panel is pursuant to article 10, section 4 of the Wyoming Constitution, as amended; and providing for an effective date.

 

1/3/2005 Bill Number Assigned

1/11/2005               H Received for Introduction

1/12/2005               H Introduced and Referred to H01

1/31/2005               H Rereferred to H02

1/31/2005               H01 Recommended Amend and Do Pass

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  Representative(s) Alden, Bagby, Buchanan, Landon, Lubnau, Olsen, Robinson, Watt and White

Ayes 9    Nays 0    Excused 0    Absent 0    Conflicts 0

1/31/2005               H Placed on General File

1/31/2005               H Rereferred to H02

2/2/2005 H02 Recommended Do Pass

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  Representative(s) Berger, Jones, Jorgensen, Meuli, Petersen, Philp, Simpson and Warren

Ayes 8    Nays 0    Excused 0    Absent 0    Conflicts 0

 

2/2/2005 H Placed on General File

 

HB0083HS001.01/ADOPTED

Page 1-line 5                            After ";" insert "providing an appropriation;".

Page 1-line 10                          Delete "9-2-1524" insert "9-2-1523".

Page 3-lines 1 through 7  Delete entirely and insert:

"(i)  "Health care provider" means a person or facility licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by the law of this state to provide health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession, but does not include a person who provides health care solely through the sale or dispensing of drugs or medical devices;".

Page 3-line 9                                          Delete "(iii)" insert "(ii)".

Page 3-line 15                                        Delete "(iv)" insert "(iii)".

Page 3-lines 18 and 19                         Delete entirely.

Page 3-line 21                                        Delete "(vi)" insert "(iv)".

Page 3-line 22                          Delete "9-2-1524" insert "9-2-1523".

Page 5-line 3                            Delete "forty dollars".

Page 5-line 4                            Delete entirely.

Page 5-line 5                            Delete the line through "held" insert "one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) per day each day the panel is convened plus two hundred dollars ($200.00) per preparation day, not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for total preparation time".

Page 5-line 7                            After "." delete balance of line.

Page 5-lines 8 and 9                 Delete entirely.

Page 7-line 7                            Delete "physicians, dentists and hospitals" insert "health care providers".

Page 7-line 10                          Delete "statement" insert "medical record release form".

Page 7-line 11                          Delete "medical,".

Page 7-line 12                          Delete "dental and hospital" insert "health care provider".

Page 7-line 17                          Delete "." insert ";".

Page 7-After line 17                 Insert:

"(iii)  A statement, prepared and signed by an expert in the field of medical practice at issue in which the health care provider was practicing, setting forth the basis for the expert's belief that the conduct is believed to constitute a malpractice claim, and the evidence to support the expert's opinion.".

Page 8-line 4                            Delete "medical,".

Page 8-line 5                            Delete "dental and hospital" insert "health care provider".

Page 8-line 7                            After "W.S." insert "35-2-910 or"; after "35-17-105" insert "or 42 U.S.C. 11137(b)".

Page 8-line 8                            After "." insert "If the health care provider fails to file an answer to the claim, the claimant may immediately pursue the claim in a court of competent jurisdiction.".

Page 8-line 17                          After "a" insert "lawyer or".

Page 11-line 23                        After "."  insert "Fees for any witness appearing at a hearing under this section shall be paid by the party calling the witness.".

Page 13-line 2                          After "chairman" insert "within forty-five (45) days following the hearing.  Failure to issue a timely decision shall vacate any determination made and shall not bar the claimant from proceeding with the claim in a court of law".

Page 13-line 5                          Delete "A copy".

Page 13-lines 6 and 7               Delete entirely and insert "The panel's decision is not binding upon any party.  The decision of the panel and any materials submitted by the parties thereto may be admissible in any subsequent trial of the matter, subject to the discretion of the trial court, in accordance with the Wyoming Rules of Evidence.".

Page 13-lines 9 through 11.      Delete entirely. 

Page 13-line 14                        Delete "not".

Page 13-line 21                        After "," insert "including W.S. 9-2-1522(c),".

Page 14-lines 8 and 9               Delete entirely.

Page 14-lines 11 through 24     Delete entirely.

Page 15-lines 1 through 23       Delete entirely.

Page 16-lines 1 through 6         Delete entirely.

Page 16-After line 9                 Insert:

"Section 3.  There is appropriated from the general fund to the medical review panel five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) or as much thereof as necessary to carry out the purposes of this act.".

Page 16-line 11                        Delete "3." insert "4.".  LANDON, CHAIRMAN

 

HB0083HS001.02/FAILED

Page 6-line 21                          Delete "Claimants" insert "Unless the claimant and respondent agree by written statement to waive submission to the panel, claimants". LANDON, CHAIRMAN

 

HB0083HW001/FAILED  (CORRECTED COPY)

Page 13-line 5                                                        Delete the standing committee amendment (HB0083HS001/A) to this line.

Page 13-lines 6 and 7                                           Delete the standing committee amendment (HB0083HS001/A) to these lines.

Page 13-After line 7                             Insert "(d)  The panel's decision is not binding upon either party.  The decision of the panel shall be admissible in any subsequent trial of the matter.".  IEKEL

 

2/4/2005 H Passed CoW

2/7/2005 H Laid Back Pursuant to HR 9-3

 

HB0083H2001/ADOPTED

Page 13-lines 6 and 7               In the standing committee amendment (HB0083HS001.01/AC) to these lines; After "admissible" insert "in whole or in part".  BROWN

 

HB0083H2002/ADOPTED  (CORRECTED COPY)

Page 3-After line 19                 Insert:

"(iv)  "Reasonable probability" means a factual basis which might lead a reasonable mind to the conclusion.  Where there is evidence in the record and room for two (2) opinions, the conclusion shall be reached honestly and upon due consideration;

(v)  "Substantial evidence" means relevant and competent evidence that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to make a finding of fact.  It may be less than the weight of the evidence, but it shall not be clearly contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence.  More is required to meet the burden than a mere scintilla of evidence or suspicion of the existence of a fact to be established;".

Page 3-line 21                          Delete the standing committee amendment (HB0083HS001.01/AC) to this line entirely.

Page 4-line 2                            Delete "claim" insert "application for claim review".

Page 5-line 21                          After "before" delete "a" insert "an application for".

Page 5-line 22                          After "claim" insert "review".

Page 6-line 1                            After "application for" insert "claim".

Page 6-line 2                            Delete "is" insert "on all related applications for claim review are".

Page 6-line 11                          Delete "claims filed" insert "applications for claim review"

Page 6-line 18                          Delete "contents of claim" insert "contents of application for claim review".

Page 6-line 19                          Delete "claim" insert "application for claim review".

Page 6-line 21                          Delete "Claimants" insert "Unless the claimant and respondent agree by written statements to waive submission to the panel, claimants".

Page 6-line 23                          Delete "a claim" insert "an application for claim review".

Page 7-line 1                            Delete "claim" insert "application for claim review".

Page 7-After line 17                 Delete the standing committee amendment (HB0083HS001.01/AC) to this line and insert:

"(b)  The claimant shall submit, within forty-five (45) days following the submission of the application for claim review, a statement prepared and signed by an expert in the specialty or subspecialty of medical practice at issue, setting forth the basis for the expert's belief that the conduct is believed to constitute a malpractice claim and the evidence currently available to support the expert's opinion.".

Page 7-line 19                          Delete "(b)" insert "(c)"; delete "claim" insert "application for claim review".

Page 7-line 22                          Delete "(c)" insert "(d)"; delete "a claim" insert "an application for claim review".

Page 7-line 23                          Delete "claim" insert "application".

Page 7-line 24                          Delete "claim" insert "application for claim review".

Page 8-line 2                            Delete "(d)" insert "(e)" delete "claim" insert "application for claim review".

Page 8-line 3                            After "service" insert "of the statement required under subsection (b) of this section".

Page 8-line 8                            In the standing committee amendment (HB0083HS001.01/AC) to this line delete "to the claim" insert "to the application for claim review".

Page 8-line 16                          Delete "a lawyer" insert "an attorney".

Page 8-line 17                          Delete the standing committee amendment (HB0083HS001.01/AC) to this line; delete "a" insert "an attorney or".

Page 9-line 7                            Delete "claim" insert "application for claim review".

Page 9-line 13                          Delete "claim" insert "application for claim review".

Page 10-line 3                          Delete "claim" insert "application for claim review".

Page 10-line 6                          Delete "claim" insert "application for claim review".

Page 10-line 15                        Delete "a claim" insert "an application for claim review".

Page 10-line 16                        Delete "claim" insert "application for claim review".

Page 10-line 19                        Delete "claims" insert "applications for claim review".

Page 11-line 7                          Delete "claim" insert "application for claim review".

Page 11-line 10                        Delete "claims" insert "applications for claim review".

Page 13-line 18                        Delete "claim" insert "application for claim review".

Page 13-line 21                                      Delete the standing committee amendment (HB0083HS001.01/AC) to this line; After "," insert "or allowed pursuant to W.S. 9-2-1522(c)".

Page 13-line 23                                      Delete "not subject to subpoena but are".  SIMPSON, BUCHANAN

 

HB0083H2003/FAILED

Page 3-After line 19                 Delete the Simpson, et al., second reading amendment (HB0083H2002/AC) to this line.

Page 3-line 21                          Delete the Simpson, et al., second reading amendment (HB0083H2002/AC) to this line.

Page 12-line 13                        Delete "there is" insert "by a preponderance of the evidence".

Page 12-line 15                        Delete "Substantial evidence that"; after "acts" insert "or omissions".

Page 12-line 16                        Delete "complained of" insert "alleged have".

Page 12-line 19                        Delete "A reasonable probability that".

Page 12-line 20                        After "the" insert "alleged"; delete "complained of" insert "or omissions".  CHILDERS

 

2/8/2005 H Passed 2nd Reading

 

HB0083H3001/ADOPTED

Page 5-line 5                            Delete the standing committee amendment (HB0083HS001.01/AC) to this line; delete the line through "held" insert "five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each one-half (1/2) day or portion thereof the panel is convened, plus two hundred dollars ($200.00) for preparation days, not to exceed one (1) preparation day for each day or portion thereof the panel is convened".  SIMPSON

 

2/9/2005 H Passed 3rd Reading

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  Representative(s) Alden, Anderson, R., Bagby, Barnard, Berger, Brechtel, Brown, Buchanan, Bucholz, Cohee, Davison, Diercks, Edwards, Esquibel, Gay, Gilmore, Gingery, Goggles, Hageman, Hammons, Harshman, Harvey, Hastert, Hinckley, Iekel, Illoway, Jackson, Jones, Landon, Latta, Lockhart, Lubnau, Luthi, Martin, McOmie, Meuli, Miller, Morgan, Olsen, Pedersen, Petersen, Philp, Powers, Quarberg, Reese, Robinson, Samuelson, Semlek, Simpson, Slater, Thompson, Walsh, Warren, Wasserburger, Watt, White and Zwonitzer.

Nays:  Representative(s) Childers and Osborn.

Excused:  Representative(s) Jorgensen

Ayes 57    Nays 2    Excused 1    Absent 0    Conflicts 0

 

2/10/2005               S Received for Introduction

2/10/2005               S Introduced and Referred to S10

2/18/2005               S10 Recommended Amend and Do Pass

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  Senator(s) Aullman, Barrasso and Scott

Nays:  Senator(s) Decaria and Massie

Ayes 3    Nays 2    Excused 0    Absent 0    Conflicts 0

 

2/18/2005               S Rereferred to S02

2/22/2005               S02 Recommended Amend and Do Pass

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  Senator(s) Anderson, J., Case, Hines, Job and Nicholas

Ayes 5    Nays 0    Excused 0    Absent 0    Conflicts 0

 

2/22/2005               S Placed on General File

 

HB0083SS001/FAILED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

That Substitute No. 1 for HB0083 ENGROSSED DO Pass.  SCOTT, CHAIRMAN

 

2/24/2005               S Laid Back Without Prejudice

HB0083SW001/FAILED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

Page 5-line 14                          Delete "five hundred" insert "two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00)".

Page 5-line 15                          Delete "dollars ($500.00)".  MOCKLER

 

HB0083SW002/ADOPTED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

Delete the Mockler Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW001/AE) entirely and further amend as follows:

Page 1–lines 1 through 6           Delete and insert:

"AN ACT relating to pretrial screening panels; prohibiting the filing of a medical malpractice claim in a court until the claim has been reviewed by a medical review panel; providing that the decision of the panel is not binding; requiring that the decision of the panel be submitted with any medical malpractice complaint; creating the panel and providing for selection of its members; designating the attorney general or his designee as panel director to perform administrative tasks; establishing procedures for review of claims; providing definitions; granting rulemaking authority; requiring a person filing a complaint in court to file the decision of the panel; requiring a person filing a complaint in court to obtain an expert witness who has not appeared before the panel; providing for an appropriation; and providing for an effective date.".

Page 1–lines 10 through 17       Delete and insert:

"Section 1.  W.S. 9‑2‑2901 through 9‑2‑2913 are created to read:

ARTICLE 29

MEDICAL REVIEW PANEL

9‑2‑2901.  Short title.

This act may be cited as the "Wyoming Medical Review Panel Act of 2005".

9‑2‑2902.  Purpose of provisions.

The purpose of this act is to review the evidence of  malpractice before filing in court of actions against health care providers and their employees for professional liability.

9‑2‑2903.  Definitions.

(a)  As used in this act:

(i)  "Health care provider" means a physician, health care facility or any person employed by a health care facility who, in accordance with law or a license granted by a state agency, provides health care;

 (ii)  "Malpractice claim" means any claim against a health care provider for alleged medical treatment, alleged lack of medical treatment, or other alleged departure from accepted standards of health care which results in damage to the patient;

(iii)  "Panel" means the medical review panel provided for under this act;

(iv)  "Physician" means a person licensed under W.S. 33‑26‑303;

(v)  "Expert" means a person qualified to testify as an expert in the courts of Wyoming within the medical field relating to the claims of the claimant and will not financially benefit from the decision of the panel or court;

(vi)  "This act" means W.S. 9‑2‑2901 through 9‑2‑2913.

9‑2‑2904.  Service of pleadings; computation of time.

(a)  The claim, answer, decision and all other pleadings required to be served under this act shall be served in accordance with the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure.

(b)  Computation of time periods prescribed or allowed under this act shall be in accordance with rule 6 of the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure.

9‑2‑2905.  Panel created; compensation; director of panel; appointment and duties; rulemaking.

(a)  There is created the Wyoming medical review panel.

(b)  The panel shall have a director who shall be the attorney general or his designee and shall conduct the administrative business of the panel and otherwise implement this act.  The director may use the office of administrative hearings as necessary to implement this act.  The director shall promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act to implement this act.

(c)  Members of the panel and the office of the director shall receive compensation while engaged in the business of the board of five hundred ($500.00) dollars per day each day the panel is convened plus two hundred dollars ($200.00) per preparation day not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000.00).  Compensation for travel and other services shall be as provided in W.S. 9‑3‑102 and 9‑3‑103.

9‑2‑2906.  Claims to be reviewed by panel; prohibition on filing claims in court; tolling of statute of limitation; immunity of panel; administration.

(a)  No complaint alleging malpractice shall be filed in any court against a health care provider before a claim is made to the panel and its decision is rendered.  The panel shall review all malpractice claims against health care providers filed with the panel except those claims subject to a valid arbitration agreement allowed by law or in the case that both parties desire to go directly to court.  The running of the applicable limitation period in a malpractice action is tolled upon receipt by the director of the application for review and does not begin again until thirty (30) days after the panel's final decision is served upon the claimant.

(b)  An extension of thirty (30) days may be granted by the director to the applicable limitation period to obtain the statement of an expert witness.

(c)  Panel members are absolutely immune from civil liability for all acts in the course and scope of the duties under this act, including but not limited to communications, findings, opinions and conclusions.

(d)  The panel may provide for the administration of oaths, the receipt of claims filed, the promulgation of forms required under this act, and the performance of all other acts required to fairly and effectively administer this act.

9‑2‑2907.  Claim review procedure; contents of claim; service of claim on provider; answer.

(a)  Claimants shall submit a case for the consideration of the panel prior to filing a complaint in any court in this state by addressing a claim, in writing, signed by the claimant or his attorney, to the director of the panel. The claim shall contain:

(i)  A statement in reasonable detail of the elements of the health care provider's conduct which are believed to constitute a malpractice claim, the dates the conduct occurred, and the names and addresses of all physicians and hospitals having contact with the claimant relevant to the claim and all witnesses;

(ii)  A statement, signed by the claimant, authorizing the panel to obtain access to all medical and hospital records and information pertaining to the claim and, for the purposes of its consideration of this matter only, waiving any privilege as to the contents of those records.  Nothing in the statement may in any way be construed as waiving that privilege for any other purpose or in any other context, in or out of court;

(iii)  Not later than sixty (60) days after filing a claim, a statement, prepared and signed by an expert in the field of medical practice in which the health care provider practices, setting forth the basis for the expert's belief that the conduct is believed to constitute a malpractice claim, and the summary of grounds to support each of the expert's opinion.

(b)  The claim may be amended by filing an amendment not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the hearing date.

(c)  Upon receipt of a claim, the director shall cause a true copy of the claim to be served on the health care providers against whom the claim has been filed.

(d)  The health care provider shall answer the claim within thirty (30) days after service and shall submit a statement authorizing the panel to inspect all medical and hospital records and information pertaining to the claim except those records which are privileged pursuant to W.S. 35‑17‑105. The answer shall be filed with the director who shall serve a copy on the claimant.

9‑2‑2908.  Panel composition; selection; disqualification of panelist; multiple defendants.

(a)  The panel for each claim reviewed under this act shall consist of one (1) health care provider licensed in this state, one (1) attorney licensed in this state and one (1) layperson chosen from the local jury pool.  All panel members shall be residents of this state.  If feasible the health care provider member of the panel shall be from the health care provider's profession or specialty.

(b)  Within five (5) days of receipt, the director shall notify the state licensing agency of the health care provider involved of the filing of the claim and the state bar association and local jury pool.  Within fourteen (14) days of notification, the state licensing agency and state bar shall provide the director a list of twelve (12) of their members as proposed panelists.  To the extent possible, the state licensing agency shall include on the list persons specializing in the same field or discipline as the health care provider against whom the claim is made.  The director shall select one (1) from the list of health care providers, one (1) from the list of attorneys to serve as panelists and one (1) layperson from the local jury pool and shall notify the parties and the panel members selected of their selection.

(c)  The director shall preside over the panel proceedings.

(d)  If, within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the notice of selection of the panelists, the claimant or the health care provider against whom the claim is made files an affidavit stating his belief that a panelist selected by the director cannot be impartial in reviewing the claim, the panel member is disqualified, and the director shall select another from the list. Each party may disqualify not more than three (3) panel members under this subsection.

(e)  The director may excuse a panelist from serving if the panelist feels his presence on the panel would be inappropriate under the circumstances of the case.

(f)  When a claim is filed against two (2) or more health care providers, the claim against each health care provider shall be consolidated for hearing unless by stipulation of all parties or at the discretion of the panel, the claims are heard separately.

9‑2‑2909.  Hearing procedure; review of decision prohibited.

(a)  The director shall set a time and place for the hearing and provide notice to all parties at least thirty (30) days prior to the hearing.  The proper place for hearing shall be the county in which an action is required to be brought according to W.S. 1‑5‑101 through 1‑5‑109. The hearing date shall not be more than one hundred twenty (120) days after the director receives the claim unless the director or panel finds good cause to delay the hearing.  At least fifteen (15) days before the hearing the director shall provide each panel member copies of all claims, briefs, records and other documents the director considers necessary.

(b)  The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the director.  The hearing shall be informal, and the Wyoming Rules of Evidence and, except as specified in this act, the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act do not apply. No decision of the director or the panel is subject to review in a court. A record of the hearing shall be made.  The panel may not call witnesses.

(c)  The panel may take the case under advisement or may request that additional facts, records or other information be obtained and presented to it at a supplemental hearing, which shall be set for a date not later than thirty (30) days from the date of the original hearing unless the parties consent in writing to a longer period.

9‑2‑2910.  Panel deliberations and decision; decision not binding.

(a)  Upon consideration of all the relevant material, the panel shall determine whether there is:

(i)  Substantial evidence that the acts complained of occurred and that they constitute malpractice; and

(ii)  A reasonable probability that the patient was injured as a result of the acts complained of.

(b)  The deliberations of the panel are confidential. All votes of the panel on the questions for discussion shall be by secret ballot. The decision shall be by a majority vote of the panel and shall be signed by the chairman.  The director shall not cast a vote.

(c)  The decision of "potential malpractice" or "no potential malpractice" shall be in writing and forwarded to the director who shall serve copies on the parties.  A copy of the decision shall be sent to the health care provider's state licensing board.

(d)  The panel's decision is not binding upon any party.

9‑2‑2911.  Record of panel proceedings; privilege.

(a)  The director shall maintain records of all proceedings before the panel, which shall include the nature of the act or omissions alleged in the claim, a brief summary of the evidence presented and the decision of the panel. 

(b)  No panel member may be called to testify in any proceeding concerning the deliberations, discussions, decisions and internal proceedings of the panel.

9‑2‑2912.  Panel funding; expenditures.

The panel shall be funded by budget appropriations from the general fund of the state.

9‑2‑2913.  Filing of medical malpractice claims.

If a claim is filed in a court of competent jurisdiction, a copy of the decision shall be filed by the claimant with the complaint upon filing of that claim and shall be read as part of the jury instructions or the court's opening instructions.

Section 2.  W.S. 9‑2‑1501 through 9‑2‑1512 are repealed.

Section 3.  There is appropriated from the general fund to the medical review panel five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) or as much thereof as necessary to carry out the purposes of this act. 

Section 4.  This act is effective immediately upon completion of all acts necessary for a bill to become law as provided by Article 4, Section 8 of the Wyoming Constitution.".

Pages 2 through 15                   Delete.

Page 16–lines 1 through 14       Delete.  JENNINGS

 

2/25/2005               S Passed CoW

 

HB0083S2002/FAILED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

Delete the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE) including the Jennings Second Reading Amendment (HB0083S2001/AE) thereto entirely.  ROSS, HANES, BURNS, DECARIA, SESSIONS

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  Senator(s) Boggs, Burns, Coe, Decaria, Hanes, Job, Johnson, Massie, Meier, Mockler, Nicholas, Ross, Sessions, Vasey and Von Flatern.

Nays:  Senator(s) Anderson, J., Aullman, Barrasso, Case, Cooper, Geis, Hawks, Hines, Jennings, Larson, Northrup, Peck, Schiffer, Scott and Townsend.

Ayes 15    Nays 15    Excused 0    Absent 0    Conflicts 0

 

2/28/2005               S Passed 2nd Reading

 

HB0083S3001/ADOPTED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

In the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE), on page 1 of that amendment, in the title, delete "expert witness who has not appeared before the panel;" insert "expert in the field of medical practice;".

In the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE), on page 4 of that amendment, in W.S. 9-2-2907(d), after "W.S. 37-17-105" insert ", 35-2-910 and 42 U.S.C. section 11137(b)"; after "on the claimant." insert "If the health care provider fails to file an answer to the application for review, he shall pay the claimant's costs incurred by complying with the requirements of this act, and the claimant may immediately pursue the claim in a court of competent jurisdiction.".  MASSIE

 

HB0083S3002/ADOPTED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

If 2005 Senate File 0113 is enacted into law, then in the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE), on page 7 of the amendment, before "Section 4.", insert the following section and renumber as necessary:

"Section 4.  If 2005 Senate File 0113 is enacted into law, then W.S. 9‑2‑2907(d) is created to read:

(d)  The health care provider shall answer the claim within thirty (30) days after service and shall submit a statement authorizing the panel to inspect all medical and hospital records and information pertaining to the claim except those records which are privileged pursuant to W.S. 37-17-105 and 35-2-912.  The answer shall be filed with the director who shall serve a copy on the claimant.".

Renumber as necessary.  MASSIE

 

HB0083S3003/ADOPTED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

In the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE), on pages 4 and 5 of that Amendment, in W.S. 9‑2‑2908, delete subsections (a) and (b) and insert:

"(a)  The panel for each claim reviewed under this act shall consist of one (1) health care provider licensed in this state, one (1) attorney licensed in this state and one (1) layperson agreed to and chosen by the first two (2) members.  All panel members shall be residents of this state.  If feasible the health care provider member of the panel shall be from the health care provider's profession or specialty.

(b)  Within five (5) days of receipt, the director shall notify the state licensing agency of the health care provider involved of the filing of the claim and the state bar association.  Within fourteen (14) days of notification, the state licensing agency and state bar shall provide the director a list of twelve (12) of their members as proposed panelists.  To the extent possible, the state licensing agency shall include on the list persons specializing in the same field or discipline as the health care provider against whom the claim is made.  The director shall select one (1) from the list of health care providers, one (1) from the list of attorneys to serve as panelists and shall notify the parties and the panel members selected of their selection.".  JENNINGS

 

HB0083S3004/ADOPTED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

In the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE), on page 4 of that amendment, in W.S. 9‑2‑2907(d), after "pertaining to the claim" insert ", including expert witness statements,".  JENNINGS

 

HB0083S3005/ADOPTED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

In the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE), on page 3 of that amendment in W.S. 9-2-2906(d), delete "the administration of oaths,".  JENNINGS 

 

HB0083S3006/ADOPTED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

In the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE), on page 1 in the title delete "an appropriation;" insert "appropriations; authorizing positions;"; on page 7 of that amendment after "Section 3." insert "(a)"; in Section 3, after "purposes of this act." insert:  "(b)  There is appropriated from the general fund to the office of the attorney general two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00), or as much thereof as necessary, and the attorney general is authorized two (2) additional full-time positions to carry out the purposes of this act.".  JENNINGS 

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  Senator(s) Anderson, J., Aullman, Barrasso, Boggs, Case, Coe, Cooper, Geis, Hanes, Hawks, Hines, Jennings, Job, Johnson, Larson, Meier, Nicholas, Northrup, Peck, Schiffer, Scott, Sessions, Townsend, Vasey and Von Flatern.

Nays:  Senator(s) Burns, Decaria, Massie, Mockler and Ross.

Ayes 25    Nays 5    Excused 0    Absent 0    Conflicts 0

 

HB0083S3007/ADOPTED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

In the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE), on pages 4 and 5 of that amendment, in W.S. 9‑2‑2908, delete the Jennings Third Reading Amendment (HB0083S3003/AE) to this section and further amend as follows:  delete subsections (a) and (b) and insert:

"(a)  The panel for each claim reviewed under this act shall consist of two (2) health care providers licensed in this state, two (2) attorneys licensed in this state and one (1) layperson agreed to and chosen by the first four (4) members.  All panel members shall be residents of this state.  If feasible the health care provider members of the panel shall be from the health care provider's profession or specialty.

(b)  Within five (5) days of receipt, the director shall notify the state licensing agency of the health care provider involved of the filing of the claim and the state bar association.  Within fourteen (14) days of notification, the state licensing agency and state bar shall provide the director a list of twelve (12) of their members as proposed panelists.  To the extent possible, the state licensing agency shall include on the list persons specializing in the same field or discipline as the health care provider against whom the claim is made.  The director shall select two (2) from the list of health care providers and two (2) from the list of attorneys to serve as panelists and shall notify the parties and the panel members selected of their selection.".  SESSIONS, PECK, ROSS

 

HB0083S3008/ADOPTED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

In the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE), on page 7 of that amendment delete W.S. 9-2-2913 entirely including all previous amendments thereto and insert:

"9-2-2913.  Admissibility of decision.

The decision of the panel may be admissible in any subsequent trial of the matter subject to the discretion of the trial court in accordance with the Wyoming Rules of Evidence.".  ROSS, VON FLATERN, PECK

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  Senator(s) Boggs, Burns, Case, Coe, Cooper, Decaria, Hanes, Job, Johnson, Massie, Meier, Mockler, Nicholas, Peck, Ross, Schiffer, Sessions, Townsend, Vasey and Von Flatern.

Nays:  Senator(s) Anderson, J., Aullman, Barrasso, Geis, Hawks, Hines, Jennings, Larson, Northrup and Scott.

Ayes 20    Nays 10    Excused 0    Absent 0    Conflicts 0

 

HB0083S3009.01/ADOPTED  (CORRECTED COPY)  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

In the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE), in W.S. 9-2-2906 on page 3 of that amendment, in the title of W.S. 9-2-2906, after "administration" insert "; agreement of the parties to waive submission to the panel"; after W.S. 9-2-2906(d), add the following new subsection (e) and renumber as necessary:

            "(e)  By written agreement between both parties, the parties may waive submission of the claim to the panel.".  MEIER, JENNINGS

 

HB0083S3009.02/FAILED  (CORRECTED COPY)  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

In the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE), in W.S. 9-2-2906 on page 3 of that amendment, in the title of W.S. 9-2-2906, after "administration" insert "; agreement of the parties to waive submission to the panel"; after W.S. 9-2-2906(d), add the following new subsection (e) and renumber as necessary:

            "(e)  No insurance company shall cancel or increase any premium of a health care provider's malpractice insurance policy soley based upon the health care provider exercising his rights under this act.".  MEIER, JENNINGS

 

HB0083S3010/ADOPTED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

In the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE), in W.S. 9‑2‑2903(a)(i) on page 2 of that amendment, after ""Health care provider" means" delete through "provides health care" and insert "a person or facility licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by the law of this state to provide health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession, but does not include a person who provides health care solely through the sale or dispensing of drugs or medical devices".  MEIER, JENNINGS

 

HB0083S3012/FAILED  (CORRECTED COPY)  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

In the Jennings Committee of the Whole Amendment (HB0083SW002/AE), in W.S. 9‑2‑2909 on page 6 of that amendment, delete subsection (b) entirely and insert:

"(b)  The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the director and the hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act.  The hearing shall be informal.  Evidence admitted shall be reliable and probative.  No decision of the director or the panel is subject to review in a court.  A record of the hearing shall be made.".  MEIER

 

3/1/2005 S Passed 3rd Reading

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  Senator(s) Anderson, J., Aullman, Barrasso, Boggs, Burns, Case, Coe, Cooper, Decaria, Geis, Hanes, Hawks, Hines, Jennings, Johnson, Larson, Massie, Meier, Nicholas, Northrup, Peck, Ross, Schiffer, Sessions, Townsend, Vasey and Von Flatern.

Nays:  Senator(s) Job, Mockler and Scott.

Ayes 27    Nays 3    Excused 0    Absent 0    Conflicts 0

 

3/2/2005 H Did Not Concur

 

ROLL CALL

Nays:  Representative(s) Alden, Anderson, R., Bagby, Barnard, Berger, Brechtel, Brown, Buchanan, Bucholz, Childers, Cohee, Davison, Diercks, Edwards, Esquibel, Gay, Gilmore, Gingery, Goggles, Hageman, Hammons, Harshman, Harvey, Hastert, Hinckley, Iekel, Illoway, Jackson, Jones, Landon, Latta, Lockhart, Lubnau, Luthi, Martin, McOmie, Meuli, Miller, Morgan, Olsen, Osborn, Pedersen, Petersen, Philp, Powers, Quarberg, Robinson, Samuelson, Semlek, Simpson, Slater, Thompson, Walsh, Warren, Wasserburger, Watt, White and Zwonitzer.

Excused:  Representative(s) Jorgensen and Reese.

Ayes 0    Nays 58    Excused 2    Absent 0    Conflicts 0

 

3/2/2005 H Appointed JCC01 Members

                                Representative(s)Simpson, Lubnau and Osborn

3/2/2005 S Appointed JCC01 Members

                                Senator(s)Hanes, Barrasso and Mockler

 

3/2/2005 H Suspended Rules

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  Representative(s)Alden, Anderson, Bagby, Barnard, Berger, Brechtel, Brown, Buchanan, Bucholz, Childers, Cohee, Davison, Diercks, Edwards, Esquibel, Gay, Gilmore, Gingery, Goggles, Hageman, Hammons, Harshman, Harvey, Hastert, Hinckley, Iekel, Illoway, Jackson, Jones, Landon, Latta, Lockhart, Lubnau, Luthi,  Martin, McOmie, Miller, Morgan, Olsen, Osborn, Pedersen, Petersen, Philp, Powers, Quarberg, Robinson, Samuelson, Semlek, Simpson, Slater, Thompson, Walsh, Warren, Wasserburger, Watt, White, Zwonitzer

Nays:  Representative Meuli

Excused: Representative Jorgensen and Reese

Ayes 57    Nays 1    Excused 2    Absent 0    Conflicts 0

 

3/2/2005 S Suspended Rules

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  Senator(s) Anderson, J., Aullman,  Barrasso, Boggs, Burns, Case, Coe, Cooper, Decaria, Geis, Hanes, Hawks, Hines, Jennings, Job, Johnson, Larson, Massie, Meier, Mockler, Nicholas, Northrup, Peck, Ross, Schiffer, Scott,  Sessions, Townsend, Vasey and Von Flatern.

Nays:  Senator(s)Vasey

Ayes 29    Nays 1   Excused 0    Absent 0    Conflicts 0

 

3/3/2005 H Adopted HB0083JC01

 

ROLL CALL

AYES:  Representative(s)  Alden, Anderson, R., Bagby, Barnard, Berger, Brechtel, Brown, Buchanan, Bucholz, Childers, Cohee, Davison, Diercks, Edwards, Esquibel, Gingery, Goggles, Hageman, Hammons, Harvey, Hastert, Hinckley, Iekel, Illoway, Jackson, Jones, Landon, Latta, Lockhart, Lubnau, Luthi, Martin, McOmie, Morgan, Olsen, Osborn, Pedersen, Petersen, Philp, Powers, Quarberg, Reese, Robinson, Samuelson, Semlek, Simpson, Slater, Thompson, Warren, Wasserburger, Watt, White and Zwonitzer.

Nays:  Representative(s)  Gay, Gilmore, Harshman, Meuli, Miller and Walsh.

 

Excused:  Representative(s)  Jorgensen.

Ayes  53    Nays  6    Excused  1   Absent  0   Conflict  0

 

3/3/2005 S Adopted HB0083JC01

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  Senator(s) Anderson, J., Barrasso, Boggs, Burns, Case, Coe, Cooper, Decaria, Geis, Hanes, Hawks, Hines, Jennings, Job, Johnson, Larson, Massie, Meier, Mockler, Nicholas, Northrup, Peck, Ross, Schiffer, Sessions, Townsend, Vasey and Von Flatern.

Nays:  Senator(s) Aullman and Scott.

Ayes 28    Nays 2    Excused 0    Absent 0    Conflicts 0

 

HB0083JC01/AA  ADOPTED  (TO ENGROSSED COPY)

Delete the following Senate amendments:

HB0083S3001/AE

HB0083S3002/AE

HB0083S3003/AE

HB0083S3004/AE

HB0083S3005/AE

HB0083S3006/AE

HB0083S3007/AE

HB0083S3008/AE

HB0083S3009.01/ACE

HB0083S3010/AE

HB0083SW002/AE

Further amend the ENGROSSED COPY as follows:

Page 1-line 3                                          Delete "specifying the".

Page 1-lines 4 through 6                     Delete entirely and insert "providing for selection of panel members; designating the attorney general or his designee as panel director to perform administrative tasks; authorizing the use of administrative hearing officers; establishing procedures for review of claims; providing definitions; granting rulemaking authority; providing appropriations; authorizing positions; and providing for effective dates.".

Page 1-line 16                                        After "Act" insert "of 2005".

Page 2-lines 5 through 9     Delete entirely.

Page 2-line 11                        Delete "(ii)" insert "(i)".

Page 2-line 17                                        Delete "(iii)" insert "(ii)".

Page 3-line 8                            Before "means" insert "or "claim"".

Page 4-line 13                                        Delete "application for"; delete "review".

Page 5-line 7                                          After "may" insert "use the office of administrative hearings as necessary and may".

Page 5-line 15                                        Delete "for each one-half (1/2)" insert "per day each"; delete "or portion".

Page 5-line 16                                        Delete "thereof".

Page 5-line 17                                        Delete "for" insert "per"; delete "days" insert "day"; delete "one (1)".

Page 5-line 18                                        Delete entirely.

Page 5-line 19                                        Delete "is convened" insert "two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) per claim reviewed".

Page 6-line 8                                          Before "No" insert "Unless submission to the panel is waived in accordance with W.S. 9-2-1519(a),".

Page 6-line 9                                          Delete "an" insert "a".

Page 6-line 10                                        Delete "application for"; delete "review".

Page 6-line 13                                        Delete "application for"; delete "review".

Page 6-line 15                                        After "decision" delete balance of line and insert ", or seventy-five (75) days after the panel's last hearing, whichever occurs earlier.".

Page 6-line 16                                        Delete entirely.

Page 6-line 18                                        Delete "and witnesses".

Page 6-line 24                                        Delete "applications for claim review"  insert "claims".

Page 7-line 9                                          Delete the first "application for"; delete "review"; delete the second "application for".

Page 7-line 10                                        Delete "review".

Page 7-line 14                                        Delete "case" insert "claim".

Page 7-line 16                                        Delete "an application for" insert "a"; delete "review".

Page 7-line 18                                        Delete "application for"; delete "review".

Page 8-line 13                                        Delete "forty-five (45)" insert "sixty (60)".

Page 8-line 14                                        Delete "application for".

Page 8-line 15                                        Delete "review".

Page 8-line 22                                        Delete "application for"; delete "review".

Page 9-line 2                                          Delete "an application for" insert "a"; delete "review".

Page 9-line 3                                          Delete "application" insert "claim".

Page 9-line 5                                          Delete "application for"; delete "review".

Page 9-line 8                                          Delete "application for"; delete "review"; delete "thirty (30)" insert "sixty (60)".

Page 9-line 10                                        Delete "statement" insert "medical records release".

Page 9-line 13                                        Delete "privileged" insert "confidential".

Page 9-line 16                                        After "fails to" insert "timely".

Page 9-line 17                                        Delete "application for"; delete "review".

Page 10-line 1                                        Delete "members of the state bar" insert "attorneys licensed in this state".

Page 10-line 2                                        After "person" insert "unanimously chosen by the first four (4) members,".

Page 10-line 5                                        Delete "one (1) member" insert "the health care provider members".

Page 10-line 17                                      Delete "application for"; delete "review".

Page 10-line 23                                      Delete "application for".

Page 10-line 24                                      Delete "review".

Page 11-line 8                                        Delete "shall" insert "may, by majority vote,".

Page 11-line 9                                        After "members" delete balance of line and insert "to preside over the panel proceedings, or".

Page 11-line 10                                      After "shall" insert "request a hearing officer from the office of administrative hearings to".

Page 11-line 15                                      Delete "application for"; delete "review".

Page 11-line 18                                      Delete "application for"; delete "review".

Page 12-line 5                                        Delete "an application for" insert "a"; delete "review".

Page 12-line 7                                        Delete "application for"; delete "review".

Page 12-line 10                                      Delete "applications for claim review" insert "claims".

Page 12-line 22                                      Delete "application for".

Page 12-line 23                                      Delete "claim review" insert "submission of the statement required under W.S. 9-2-1519(b)".

Page 13-line 2                                        Delete "applications for claim review" insert "claims, answers,".

Page 13-line 12                                      Delete "may" insert "shall"; after "made" delete balance of line and insert ".".

Page 13-line 13                                      Delete the line through ".".

Page 13-line 23                                      Before "date" insert "beginning".

Page 14-line 1                                        Delete "claimant or his attorney consents" insert "parties consent".

Page 14-line 19                                      After "The" insert "final".

Page 14-line 22                                      After "timely" insert "final".

Page 15-line 2        After "The" insert "final".

Page 15-line 16      Delete "application".

Page 15-line 17      Delete "for"; delete "review".

Page 15-line 18      Before "decision" insert "final".

Page 16-line 9                        Before "There" insert "(a)".

Page 16-After line 12           Insert:

"(b)  There is appropriated from the general fund to the office of the attorney general two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00), or as much thereof as necessary, and the attorney general is authorized up to two (2) additional full-time equivalent positions to carry out the purposes of this act.".

Page 16-line 14                                      After "4." insert "(a)  Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section,".

Page 16-After line 14                           Insert:

"(b)  W.S. 9-2-1517(b), as created in section 1 of this act, and section 3(b) of this act are effective immediately upon completion of all acts necessary for a bill to become law as provided by Article 4, Section 8 of the Wyoming Constitution.". SIMPSON, LUBNAU, OSBORN, HANES, BARRASSO, MOCKLER

 

3/3/2005 Assigned Number HEA No. 0134

3/3/2005 H Speaker Signed HEA No. 0134

3/3/2005 S President Signed HEA No. 0134

3/15/2005               Governor Signed HEA No. 0134

3/15/2005               Assigned Chapter Number

 

Chapter No. 0244  Session Laws of Wyoming 2005.