Opinion ID: 2287073
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Claims Under the TMLA

Text: The TMLA requires the trial court to dismiss a suit asserting health care liability claims against a physician or health care provider if the plaintiff does not timely file an expert report as to that defendant. Id. § 74.351. The TMLA defines health care liability claim as [A] cause of action against a health care provider or physician for treatment, lack of treatment, or other claimed departure from accepted standards of medical care, or health care, or safety or professional or administrative services directly related to health care, which proximately results in injury to or death of a claimant, whether the claimant's claim or cause of action sounds in tort or contract. Id. § 74.001(a)(13). Whether a claim is a health care liability claim depends on the underlying nature of the claim being made. Garland Cmty. Hosp. v. Rose, 156 S.W.3d 541, 543 (Tex.2004) (addressing former TEX.REV.CIV. STAT. art. 4590i, repealed by Act of June 2, 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, § 10. 09, 2003 Tex. Gen. Laws 847, 884). Artful pleading does not alter that nature. Diversicare Gen. Partner, Inc. v. Rubio, 185 S.W.3d 842, 854 (Tex.2005); Garland Cmty. Hosp., 156 S.W.3d at 543.