2A:53A-36. Affidavit of loss as a result of denial or delay; requirements
7. a. In any action for economic or non-economic loss to a covered person pursuant to subsection a. of section 4 of this act, the plaintiff shall, within 60 days following the date of filing of the answer to the complaint by the defendant, provide each defendant with an affidavit of a physician or other appropriate licensed natural person that there exists a reasonable probability that the loss that occurred was a result of the carrier's or organized delivery system's negligence with respect to the denial of or delay in approving or providing medically necessary covered services.
b. The court may grant no more than one additional period, not to exceed 60 days, to file the affidavit pursuant to this section, upon a finding of good cause. The person executing the affidavit shall be licensed in this or any other state and have particular expertise in the general area or specialty involved in the action, as evidenced by board certification or by devotion of the person's practice substantially to the general area or specialty involved in the action for a period of at least five years. The person shall have no financial interest in the outcome of the case under review, but this prohibition shall not exclude the person from being an expert witness in the case.
c. An affidavit shall not be required pursuant to subsection a. of this section if the plaintiff provides a sworn statement in lieu of the affidavit setting forth that: the defendant or other appropriate party involved in the treatment of the covered person has failed to provide the plaintiff with medical records or other records or information having a substantial bearing on preparation of the affidavit; a written request therefor along with, if necessary, a signed authorization by the plaintiff for release of the medical records or other records or information requested, has been made by certified mail or personal service; and at least 45 days have elapsed since the defendant received the request.
d. If the plaintiff fails to provide an affidavit or a statement in lieu thereof, pursuant to this section, it shall be deemed a failure to state a cause of action.
L.2001,c.187,s.7.
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