MT HB766

Replaces the existing party-driven affidavit process for disqualifying Medical Legal Panel members with specific, enumerated grounds for disqualification based on impartiality concerns

Requires disqualification when a panel member has personal bias, prejudice, or personal knowledge of disputed facts, or when the member or family members have financial interests, are parties, or serve as lawyers/providers in the case

Allows each party to file up to three disqualification requests for attorney members and up to three separate requests for health care provider members, requiring affidavits with specific supporting facts

Assigns the director responsibility to determine affidavit sufficiency, remove disqualified members, and select replacements

Permits members with disqualifying circumstances (except bias/prejudice) to disclose the conflict and continue serving if all parties and lawyers agree in writing, with the agreement recorded in proceeding records