In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Act” means Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, §§3-2A-01—3-2A-09, Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended from time to time. “Arbitration panel” means the arbitrators selected in accordance with the Act and these regulations to determine a health care malpractice claim. “Attorney” means a member of the Maryland Bar. “Award” means a final decision under the Act, whether in favor of the claimant or defendant. “Certificate of merit” means the formal verification by a qualified expert of a medically meritorious claim or defense to a claim. “Chairman” means the attorney member of the arbitration panel. County. “County” means all counties in the State. “County” includes Baltimore City. “Court” means a circuit court for a county. “Director” means the Director of the Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution Office. “Health care provider” has the meaning stated in Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, §3-2A-01(e), Annotated Code of Maryland. “Party” includes the counsel of record for a party. “Prehearing conference” means the conference that the chairman has with all parties at least 60 days before a hearing date.