HB 5671 Summary

• Amends medical malpractice expert witness qualifications under MCL 600.2169 to add requirements for unlicensed health care providers testifying as experts in malpractice actions.

• Requires expert witnesses testifying against unlicensed health care providers to specialize in the same health profession and devote majority professional time to active clinical practice or instruction in an accredited program during the year preceding the alleged occurrence.

• Expands MCL 600.2912 to include civil malpractice actions against unlicensed individuals providing health care services, not just licensed health professionals.

• Prohibits expert witnesses in medical malpractice cases from testifying on a contingency fee basis, making violations a misdemeanor offense.

• Restricts discovery methods used to determine expert witness qualifications by making tax returns, family depositions about professional time, and personal diaries non-discoverable.