MI SB1117

Expert witnesses in medical malpractice actions must be licensed health professionals in Michigan or another state, with specialists requiring board certification if the defendant is board certified.

Expert witnesses must have devoted a majority of professional time in the year before the incident to active clinical practice or teaching in the same health profession and specialty (if applicable) as the defendant.

Expert witnesses cannot testify on contingency fees; violation is a misdemeanor.

Discovery limitations protect expert witnesses by prohibiting discovery of tax returns, family member depositions about practice time, and personal diaries or calendars not containing professional activity records.

Medical malpractice actions may be brought against licensed health care professionals, licensed health facilities or agencies, and their employees or agents, but exclude health maintenance organizations as defined in the Insurance Code.