SR 160

2026 Regular Session  ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 160
BY SENATOR CONNICK
  A RESOLUTION
To create and provide for the Louisiana Medical Malpractice Task Force to study and make
       recommendations to improve the medical review panel process.
       WHEREAS, the Medical Malpractice Act, R.S. 40:1231.1 et seq., establishes
procedures governing medical malpractice claims; and
       WHEREAS, the medical review panel process was created to provide an expert
evaluation of medical malpractice claims, encourage the fair resolution of disputes, and
reduce unnecessary litigation costs; and
       WHEREAS, a complex structure of laws, policies, procedures, and practices exist
in Louisiana with the length, complexity, and administrative burden of the current medical
review panel process; and
       WHEREAS, several states have implemented merit-based screening systems
designed to identify frivolous claims at an earlier stage while promoting the efficient
resolution of meritorious claims; and
       WHEREAS, the merit-based systems may include requirements for expert
certification, pre-suit affidavits, or expedited scheduling requirements; and
       WHEREAS, the Louisiana Senate recognizes the importance of studying and
evaluating whether certain merit-based procedures implemented in other jurisdictions may
improve efficiency, and maintain fairness for both claimants and healthcare providers in
Louisiana.
       THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby create the Louisiana Medical Malpractice Task Force to study, evaluate, and
make recommendations to improve the medical review panel process, including to submit
a written report and propose recommendations for legislation, and reforms to policy and
practice.
       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall focus on guiding principles
which include, at a minimum, consideration of the following:
  Page 1 of 3
SR NO. 160  ENROLLED
(1) Revisions to and streamlining of the medical review panel process in Louisiana.
(2) Benefits of the merit-based system used in other states.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Louisiana Medical Malpractice Task Force
shall be comprised of the following members:
(1) The chairman of the Senate Judiciary A, or his designee.
(2) The president of the Louisiana Hospital Association, or his designee.
(3) The president of the Louisiana State Medical Society, or his designee.
(4) The executive director of the Louisiana Association of Justice, or his designee.
(5) The president of the Patients Rights Advocacy Forum, or his designee.
(6) Any additional persons may be appointed to the task force who are determined to have
relevant knowledge regarding the Medical Malpractice Act and the medical review panel
process, and would aid the task force in fulfilling its duties.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each designating authority shall submit the
names and contact information of the designees and appointed members to the chairman of
the Senate Committee on Judiciary A no later than August 1, 2026.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a majority of the task force shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business. All official actions of the task force shall require the
affirmative vote of the majority of the quorum.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall terminate on the date of the
submission of its report or March 1, 2027, whichever occurs first.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall convene for its first meeting
at the call of the chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary A, and at the first meeting,
the members shall elect officers as the task force may deem appropriate.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall adopt rules of procedure and
a meeting schedule, prepare an agenda for each meeting, and take any additional steps the
task force determines necessary to accomplish its goals, timely prepare its report, and make
its recommendations.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the task force shall serve
without compensation, except for per diem or expense reimbursement to which the member
may be individually entitled as a member of the respective organizations.
  Page 2 of 3
SR NO. 160  ENROLLED
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate Committee on Judiciary A shall
provide necessary staff to support the task force.
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall report its findings and
proposed recommendations, together with specific proposals for legislation and reforms to
policy and practice by written report to the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana and to the
David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library as required by R.S. 24:771 and 772, no later
than March 1, 2027.
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary A, the president of the Louisiana Hospital
Association, the president of the Louisiana State Medical Society, the executive director of
the Louisiana Association of Justice, and the president of the Patient Rights Advocacy
Forum.
  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
  Page 3 of 3