Washington court throws out medical malpractice law

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The state Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously threw out a 2006 law that requires an injured patient to get a certificate of merit from an expert before suing for medical malpractice.

The state Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously threw out a 2006 law that requires an injured patient to get a certificate of merit from an expert before suing for medical malpractice.

The high court ruled that the law violates the separation of state powers, saying that allowing the Legislature to set rules about filing a lawsuit "conflicts with the judiciary's inherent power to set court procedures."

Seven of the justices also said that the law was unconstitutional because it unduly burdened the right of access to courts.

"Obtaining the evidence necessary to obtain a certificate of merit may not be possible prior to discovery, when health care workers can be interviewed and procedural manuals reviewed," wrote the majority, led by Justice Susan Owens. "Requiring plaintiffs to submit evidence supporting their claims prior to the discovery process violates the plaintiffs' right of access to courts."

Justices Barbara Madsen and James Johnson wrote in a separate concurring opinion that while they agreed that the law was unconstitutional on the basis of separation of powers, it did not unduly interfere with access to the courts.

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Local News | Wash. court throws out medical malpractice law | Seattle Times Newspaper