CT HB06393

Increases the burden of proof for medical malpractice claims against health care providers in hospital emergency departments from "preponderance of the evidence" to "clear and convincing evidence," effective October 1, 2013.

Maintains the existing "preponderance of the evidence" standard for all other medical malpractice claims against health care providers outside emergency department settings.

Defines "prevailing professional standard of care" as the level of care, skill and treatment recognized as acceptable and appropriate by reasonably prudent similar health care providers in light of relevant circumstances.

Specifies that "similar health care providers" for non-specialists are those licensed in the same discipline with active involvement in practice or teaching within five years before the incident.

Specifies that "similar health care providers" for specialists are those trained and certified in the same specialty, or trained in the specific condition being treated if outside the provider's specialty.