Health Care Malpractice Claims - Health Care Provider - Definition

SB 681 amends Maryland law to expand the definition of "health care provider" in malpractice claims to include hospital employees, agents, or contractors who are licensed, certified, or authorized to provide health care services in Maryland. This change directly affects malpractice lawsuits involving these hospital staff members, making them subject to the same legal standards as traditional providers like doctors or nurses. The bill also clarifies that religious nursing institutions relying solely on prayer for treatment are excluded from the definition. The updated definition takes effect October 1, 2025, and applies specifically to claims under health care malpractice laws.