# COMAR Title 01 — Executive Department

## Subtitle 03 — Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution Office

### Chapter 01 — General Regulations

#### Regulation .01 Definitions.

*COMAR 01.03.01.01*

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.