IA HF2040

Amends the definition of "noneconomic damages" in medical malpractice cases to exclude loss of dependent care (including child care) when a primary caregiver spouse or parent dies or is severely injured, reclassifying such losses as economic damages not subject to caps

Removes the current $250,000 cap on noneconomic damages against health care providers, replacing it with higher limits: up to $1 million for cases involving substantial/permanent bodily impairment, disfigurement, loss of pregnancy, or death, and up to $2 million when a hospital is a defendant

Eliminates the existing subsection 4 of Section 147.136A that previously governed damage limitations in healthcare liability cases

Modifies punitive damage rules so that full punitive damages are paid to claimants in cases against healthcare providers (physicians, nurses, hospitals, etc.) arising from patient care, rather than splitting awards with a civil reparations trust fund

Applies only to causes of action accruing on or after the effective date of the Act