Bill > S06086

This bill establishes a Health Care Courts Pilot Program in New York State, whereby the Office of Court Administration can select up to five counties across different judicial districts to create specialized courts dedicated to medical, dental, and podiatric malpractice claims. These courts would have exclusive jurisdiction over such claims in their respective counties. Judges for these courts will be selected from existing Supreme Court judges and must undergo comprehensive medical and legal training, including clinical instruction and an internship to understand medical terminology, body systems, and healthcare practices. The bill mandates the creation of a list of court-appointed medical experts who meet strict qualification requirements, such as holding an active license in the same profession, being trained in the same discipline, and having no financial ties to the parties involved. These experts can provide independent opinions to help judges understand complex medical evidence. The courts will follow existing legal procedures with full appellate review rights, and the Office of Court Administration must submit annual reports to state legislative leaders describing the courts' functioning. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that these specialized courts do not remove the jury's ultimate fact-finding role in malpractice cases. The pilot program aims to improve the efficiency and expertise in handling medical malpractice litigation by providing judges with specialized medical knowledge and access to neutral medical expertise.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6086