SB 470 Summary

• Amends 76 O.S. Section 18 to clarify that medical malpractice actions must be brought within two years of when the plaintiff knew or should have known of the injury, death, or condition.

• Replaces the phrase "this state" with "Oklahoma" in the statute relating to limitations of actions for medical professionals and hospitals.

• Applies to actions against physicians, health care providers, or hospitals licensed under Oklahoma law, regardless of whether the claim is based in tort, breach of contract, or other legal theories.

• Preserves the existing exception that allows the statute of limitations to be extended for plaintiffs who are minors or legally incompetent when the cause of action arises.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2011.