§ 9-2-1806 — Claims to be reviewed by panel; prohibition on filing claims in court; tolling of statute of limitation; immunity of panel and witnesses; administration

(a) The panel shall review all professional malpractice
claims against professionals filed with the panel except those
claims subject to a valid arbitration or mediation agreement
allowed by law or upon which suit has been filed prior to July
1, 1989. No complaint alleging malpractice shall be filed in
any court against a professional before a claim is made to the
panel and its decision is rendered. The running of the
applicable limitation period in a malpractice action is tolled
upon receipt by the director of the application for review and
does not begin again until thirty (30) days after the panel's
final decision is served upon the claimant.
(b) Panel members and witnesses are absolutely immune from
civil liability for all acts in the course and scope of the
duties under this act, including but not limited to
communications, findings, opinions and conclusions.
(c) The panel may provide for the administration of oaths,
the receipt of claims filed, the promulgation of forms required
under this act, the issuance of subpoenas in connection with the
administration of this act, and the performance of all other
acts required to fairly and effectively administer this act. A
party requesting a subpoena shall bear all costs of mileage and
witness fees.