HB 739 Summary

• Creates the Patient Compensation System as an alternative to medical malpractice litigation, providing expedited compensation for patients with legitimate medical injuries without requiring proof of negligence.

• Establishes an 11-member Patient Compensation Board to govern the system, including physicians, patient advocates, business leaders, and legal professionals appointed by the Governor and legislative leadership.

• Requires health care providers to participate annually by paying contributions ($100-$2,500 depending on provider type) unless they opt out, with funds supporting system administration and compensation awards.

• Implements a three-tier review process: initial medical review (10 days), expedited review if provider supports claim (30 days), or formal review with independent medical panel (60+ days) if provider contests.

• Defines "medical injury" broader than negligence to include injuries from accepted treatments executed poorly or where equally effective alternative treatments could have avoided harm; compensation offsets collateral source payments.