SB 65 Summary

• Amends AS 09.55.540(a) to add a new element to medical malpractice claims requiring plaintiffs to prove by a preponderance of evidence that a health care provider-patient relationship existed with the defendant at the time of the act complained of.

• Adds a new subsection (c) to AS 09.55.540 defining "health care provider-patient relationship" as a relationship between a health care provider and patient formed for the purpose of the provider providing examination, diagnosis, or treatment to the patient.

• Renumbers existing elements of medical malpractice claims from (2), (3), and (4) to (2), (3), and (4) respectively to accommodate the new first element regarding the provider-patient relationship.

• Applies to causes of action under AS 09.55.530 - 09.55.560 that accrue on or after the effective date of the Act.