McClurkin v. Maldonado

COUCH, Judge.

This appeal arises from the litigation of a medical malpractice claim under the Health Care Malpractice Claims Act, Maryland Code (1974, 1984 Repl.Vol.), Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article, Title 3, Subtitle 2A, before the Health Claims Arbitration Office (HCAO). We granted certiorari to determine whether a panel chairman, acting alone and before a panel was appointed, may dismiss a claim for failure to comply with a discovery order.

I

The Facts

On July 6, 1983, Josepha McClurkin, the appellant, filed a claim with the director of the HCAO against Dr. Ciro A. Montanez and Dr.…