FL S1792

Allows health care practitioners and providers reasonably expecting to be deposed, called as witnesses, or receive discovery requests to consult with attorneys and disclose patient information for legal advice in medical negligence actions.

Prohibits medical liability insurers from selecting attorneys for practitioners or providers or recommending they seek legal counsel on particular matters, though insurers may recommend attorneys if the practitioner contacts them first.

Restricts attorneys representing practitioners or providers from disclosing case information to insurers except for billing purposes, but allows these attorneys to represent insurers in unrelated matters.

Revises expert witness qualifications by requiring specialists to specialize in the same specialty (removing the "similar specialty" option) and allows prospective defendants to conduct informal interviews with claimants' treating health care providers as part of discovery.

Modifies the authorization form for release of protected health information to permit designated treating providers, insurers, and attorneys to obtain and use health information for investigation, defense, and legal representation in medical negligence claims; effective July 1, 2013.