NC H739

Requires civil actions and arbitration claims alleging malpractice against licensed architects or professional engineers to be dismissed unless accompanied by a certificate of merit from a licensed professional in the same field and area of practice.

The certificate of merit must certify that the expert has reviewed the defendant's professional services and records, reviewed the claim, and believes the malpractice claim has merit.

Plaintiffs must assert in their pleading that professional services and available records have been reviewed by a qualified expert willing to testify that the defendant's services did not meet applicable standards of care.

Superior court judges may allow exceptions permitting expert testimony from witnesses not meeting the standard license and practice area requirements upon a showing of extraordinary circumstances.

Judges may extend the statute of limitations by up to 120 days prior to expiration to allow plaintiffs time to obtain a certificate of merit and file a malpractice complaint; exemption applies to breach of contract or warranty claims; effective October 1, 2013.