2A:53A-40 Affidavit of noninvolvement.

6. a. A health care provider named as a defendant in a medical malpractice action may cause the action against that provider to be dismissed upon the filing of an affidavit of noninvolvement with the court. The affidavit of noninvolvement shall set forth, with particularity, the facts that demonstrate that the provider was misidentified or otherwise not involved, individually or through its servants or employees, in the care and treatment of the claimant, and was not obligated, either individually or through its servants or employees, to provide for the care and treatment of the claimant, and could not have caused the alleged malpractice, either individually or through its servants or employees, in any way.

b. A codefendant or claimant shall have the right to challenge an affidavit of noninvolvement by filing a motion and submitting an affidavit that contradicts the assertions of noninvolvement made by the health care provider in the affidavit of noninvolvement.

c. If the court determines that a health care provider named as a defendant falsely files or makes false or inaccurate statements in an affidavit of noninvolvement, the court, upon motion or upon its own initiative, shall immediately reinstate the claim against that provider. Reinstatement of a party pursuant to this subsection shall not be barred by any statute of limitations defense that was not valid at the time the original action was filed.

In any action in which the health care provider is found by the court to have knowingly filed a false or inaccurate affidavit of noninvolvement, the court shall impose upon the person who signed the affidavit or represented the party, or both, an appropriate sanction, including, but not limited to, an order to pay to the other party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred as a result of the filing of the false or inaccurate affidavit, including a reasonable attorney fee. The court shall also refer the matter to the Attorney General and the appropriate professional licensing board for further review.

d. If the court determines that a plaintiff falsely objected to a health care provider's affidavit of noninvolvement, or knowingly provided an inaccurate statement regarding a health care provider's affidavit, the court shall impose upon the plaintiff or the plaintiff's counsel, or both, an appropriate sanction, including, but not limited to, an order to pay to the other party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred as a result of the submission of the false objection or inaccurate statement, including a reasonable attorney fee. The court shall also refer the matter to the Attorney General and the appropriate professional licensing board for further review.

e. As used in this section, "health care provider" means an individual or entity, which, acting within the scope of its licensure or certification, provides health care services, and includes, but is not limited to: a physician, dentist, nurse, pharmacist or other health care professional whose professional practice is regulated pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes; and a health care facility licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.)

L.2004,c.17,s.6.