Smith v. Pancner

ON PETITION TO TRANSFER

BOEHM, Justice.

This case deals with the ability of a claimant who settles claims against multiple health care providers to access the Patient’s Compensation Fund established by the Indiana Medical Malpractice Act. Plaintiff Terry Smith was treated by two psychiatrists, Dr. Ronald J. Pancner and Dr. Richard F. Thompson, Jr. Both doctors were qualified providers under the Medical Malpractice Act. Ind.Code §§ 27-12-1-1 to 27-12-18-2 (1993). A “qualified” provider is one who pays a surcharge and files proof of financial responsibility with the Insurance Commissioner. The…