FINAL BILL REPORT

                 EHB 2838

                         C 270 L 96

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Limiting mediation of health care injury disputes.

Sponsors:  Representatives Dyer, Cody, Foreman, McMahan, Goldsmith, Huff, Carlson and Robertson.

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  Washington has several provisions in law dealing with medical malpractice actions.  These health care actions, like other actions, are limited by a statute of limitations.  A statute of limitations requires that court actions be brought within a specific time or be barred. 

Health care actions are subject to mandatory mediation. 

If a written, good faith request for mediation is made prior to filing the action, the statute of limitations is tolled while the mediation occurs.

Summary:  If a written, good faith request for mediation is made prior to filing a health care related action, the statute of limitations is tolled for one year, rather than for an unspecified period of time.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     97 0

Senate    49 0

Effective:  June 6, 1996