An Act amending the act of March 20, 2002 (P.L.154, No.13), known as the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (Mcare) Act, in medical professional liability, further providing for definitions and for expert qualifications.

SB 340 amends Pennsylvania's MCare Act to clarify requirements for medical malpractice lawsuits. It introduces a "Certificate of Merit" that must accompany initial complaints, requiring a written statement from a qualified expert confirming negligence and the standard of care. The bill tightens rules for medical experts testifying in these cases, mandating they hold an active Pennsylvania license, practice in the same specialty as the defendant, and be board-certified (unless waived by a court for specific reasons). This directly affects patients filing malpractice claims and medical professionals serving as expert witnesses. The changes aim to ensure only credible claims proceed, with the certificate needing to be filed within 60 days of a lawsuit's start.