Case Name: Neil F. LETTS, M. D., Petitioner, v. Charles W. DAVIS, Respondent
Court: Florida District Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction: Florida
Decision Date: 1978-03-28
Citations: 356 So. 2d 910
Docket Number: No. 11-198
Parties: Neil F. LETTS, M. D., Petitioner, v. Charles W. DAVIS, Respondent.
Judges: McCORD, C. J., BOYER, J., and McLANE, RALPH M., Associate Judge, concur.
Reporter: Southern Reporter, Second Series
Volume: 356
Pages: 910–910

Head Matter:
Neil F. LETTS, M. D., Petitioner, v. Charles W. DAVIS, Respondent.
No. 11-198.
District Court of Appeal of Florida, First District.
March 28, 1978.
Victor M. Halbach, Jr., of Marks, Gray, Conroy & Gibbs, Jacksonville, for petitioner.
Steven A. Werber and David R. Lewis of Lewis, Paul, Isaac & Castillo, Jacksonville, for respondent.

Opinion:
PER CURIAM.
The Petitioner seeks Writ of Certiorari to review the order of the Judicial Referee in a claim filed under the Medical Malpractice Reform Act. The Referee's order terminated the panel by reason of expiration of certain time periods specified by statute. See Section 768.44, Florida Statutes.
The Judicial Referee was correct. The jurisdiction of the Medical Mediation Panel ceased when the case did not proceed within the time the statute mandates. See Rule 20.190, Florida Rules of Mediation Procedure.
There is a point we consider should be mentioned. We note that under the assignment of cases in many circuits, a judge other than the Judicial Referee to whom the case is assigned may undertake to perform acts on behalf of the Judicial Referee. We seriously question, without deciding, the validity of the practice.
CERTIORARI DENIED.
McCORD, C. J., BOYER, J., and McLANE, RALPH M., Associate Judge, concur.