Explanation of legal concepts as they relate to the standard of care can be obtained solely from the attorney chairman. The attorney chairman as a non-voting member is obliged to distinguish points of law to the medical Panelists. The chair should make it clear that such memoranda will be excluded from the Panel submissions. It is therefore inappropriate for statements to be made by the parties or by their counsel directly to the Panel members. The attorneys should be reminded that the meeting is not a trial nor is the Panel a court of law.
Attorneys wish to present their own charts, graphs, etc, in their submissions.
There is nothing in the statute to prohibit it. Charts, graphs, etc may be helpful to Panel members but should only be allowed if supporting data or information that underlies the material is provided. The Panel must satisfy itself as to the accuracy of the material and might even require counsel to provide references to the sources of the data compiled. There is no prohibition under the statute. Telephone conferencing may be appropriate when Panel members or attorneys are in different cities or one of the Panel may be unable to make it at the last minute.