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United States · Bill · HR

H.R. 321 (108th)

Common Sense Medical Malpractice Reform Act of 2003

referredUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

8 January 2003

Last action

Status

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.

Sponsors

Subjects

Discovery layer

Source updated

18 August 2025

Summary

Common Sense Medical Malpractice Reform Act of 2003 - Establishes an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedure for all health care liability actions, except an action for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death to the extent that title XXI of the Public Health Service Act applies. (Sec. 3) Establishes a statute of limitations for health care liability actions of one year from the date on which the alleged injury was discovered or should reasonably have been discovered, but in no case more than three years after the date the alleged injury occurred. (Sec. 4) Makes a defendant in any health care liability action liable only for the amount of noneconomic damages attributable to such defendant. Limits total noneconomic damages for an injury to $250,000. Outlines requirements for, and limitations on, the award of punitive damages. Permits periodic payments of any damages awarded for future economic and noneconomic loss exceeding $50,000. Permits defendants to introduce evidence of collateral source payments. (Sec. 5) Specifies limits to contingent fees. (Sec. 6) Declares that any ADR used to resolve a health care liability action or claim shall contain provisions for a statute of limitations, noneconomic damages, joint and several liability, punitive damages, a collateral source rule, periodic payments, and limitations on contingent fees which are identical to the provisions of this Act.

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Documents

3 official files

Introduced in House (text)

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