CS/CS/SB 2252--professional liability claims.

Section 627.912, F.S., requires that insurers providing professional liability coverage to specified health care providers or to members of The Florida Bar report to the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) any claim or action for damages due to injuries claimed to have been caused by error, omission, or negligence in the performance of the insured's professional services, if the claim results in a settlement, final judgment, or disposition of a medical malpractice claim with no indemnity payment on behalf of the insured. This bill defines the term "claim" for reporting purposes, requires that the claim be in writing, and specifies the circumstances under which an insurer is to report a claim to the OIR. Under the legislation, an insurer will be obligated to report a claim when any of the following occurs: upon the entry of a judgment against the provider; upon the execution of a settlement; upon the final payment of indemnity on behalf of any provider for damages alleged in the performance of professional services; or upon a final disposition of a claim for which no indemnity payment was made, but for which loss adjustment expenses exceeded $5,000. Approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2009. Ch 09-189 L.O.F.