9-2-1807. Claim review procedure; contents of claim; service of claim on provider; answer.

(a) Claimants shall submit a case for the consideration of the panel prior to filing a complaint in any court in this state by addressing a claim, in writing, signed by the claimant or his attorney, to the director of the panel. The claim shall contain:

(i) A statement in reasonable detail of the elements of the professional's conduct which are believed to constitute a malpractice claim, the dates the conduct occurred, and the names and addresses of all professionals having contact with the claimant relevant to the claim and all witnesses;

(ii) A statement authorizing the panel to obtain access to all records and information pertaining to the claim and, for the purposes of its consideration of this matter only, waiving any privilege as to the contents of those records. Nothing in the statement may in any way be construed as waiving that privilege for any other purpose or in any other context, in or out of court.

(b) The claim may be amended by filing an amendment not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the hearing date.

(c) Upon receipt of a claim, the director shall cause a true copy of the claim to be served on the professionals against whom the claim has been filed.

(d) The professional shall answer the claim within thirty (30) days after service and shall submit a statement authorizing the panel to inspect all records and information pertaining to the claim except those records which are privileged pursuant to law. The answer shall be filed with the director who shall serve a copy on the claimant.