Stephen Meehan v. Peter Antonellis, DMD
(A-45-14; 075265)
The enhanced requirements of section 41 of the Patients First Act which govern the qualifications of persons permitted to submit an affidavit of merit, or provide expert testimony, in a medical malpractice action, apply only in medical malpractice actions. In all other actions against a licensed professional, section 27 of the AOM statute prescribes the qualifications of the person who may submit an affidavit of merit against a licensed professional. The affidavit of merit that plaintiff submitted in this action, from a licensed dentist with experience in the treatment of sleep apnea, satisfies section 27. The trial court therefore improperly dismissed the complaint.
