NC S435

Requires certificate of merit to be filed with any civil action or arbitration claim alleging malpractice against licensed architects or professional engineers in North Carolina.

Certificate must be signed by a licensed professional engineer or architect holding the same type of license and practicing in the same area as the defendant, certifying that the malpractice claim has merit.

Claims must specifically assert that the defendant's professional services and all available records have been reviewed by a qualifying expert willing to testify that services violated applicable standard of care.

Allows courts to permit expert testimony from witnesses who do not meet standard licensing or practice area requirements upon showing of extraordinary circumstances and determination that it serves justice.

Permits courts to extend statute of limitations by up to 120 days upon motion and good cause determination to allow time to comply with certificate of merit requirements; effective October 1, 2011.