Sec. 01.03.01.01. Definitions

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Act" means Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, §§3-2A-01-3-2A-09, Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended from time to time.

(2) "Arbitration panel" means the arbitrators selected in accordance with the Act and these regulations to determine a health care malpractice claim.

(3) "Attorney" means a member of the Maryland Bar.

(4) "Award" means a final decision under the Act, whether in favor of the claimant or defendant.

(5) "Certificate of merit" means the formal verification by a qualified expert of a medically meritorious claim or defense to a claim.

(6) "Chairman" means the attorney member of the arbitration panel.

(7) County.

(a) "County" means all counties in the State.

(b) "County" includes Baltimore City.

(8) "Court" means a circuit court for a county.

(9) "Director" means the Director of the Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution Office.

(10) "Health care provider" has the meaning stated in Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, §3-2A-01(e), Annotated Code of Maryland.

(11) "Party" includes the counsel of record for a party.

(12) "Prehearing conference" means the conference that the chairman has with all parties at least 60 days before a hearing date.