Opinion ID: 2243544
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Panel Opinion was Properly Considered

Text: The Jordans contend that the panel opinion should not have been considered by the trial court in ruling on the motions for summary judgment. First, the Jordans contend that the decision was hearsay because no one with actual knowledge of the proceedings signed the affidavits verifying the authenticity of the decision. The record does not disclose that the Jordans presented this argument to the trial court and, therefore, as the Court of Appeals held, the issue has been waived. Franklin Bank & Trust Co. v. Mithoefer (1990), Ind., 563 N.E.2d 551, 553. The Jordans have not presented any evidence that the panel decision considered by the trial court was not, in fact, a true and correct copy of the original. Affidavits from the appointed chairman of the panel and from defense counsel were submitted declaring that the opinion was a true and correct copy of the original. This is sufficient. Winbush v. Memorial Health System, Inc. (1991), Ind., 581 N.E.2d 1239, 1243. Second, the Jordans contend that the panel opinion is invalid because the decision was signed by Robert D. Lee substituting as panel chairman for James F. Groves. [3] The Jordans assert that this procedure violated Ind. Code § 16-9.5-9-3(c). That statute along with Ind. Code § 16-9.5-9-4 and Ind. Code § 16-9.5-9-10 prescribe the duties of the chairman. Those statutes provide that the chairman, an attorney, acts in an advisory capacity. The chairman coordinates the selection of the other panel members, convenes the panel and coordinates the review process. The chairman advises the panel on legal questions, but not on medical questions. The chairman is responsible for preparing the opinion of the panel and submitting a copy of the opinion to the medical members as prescribed by statute. As the Court of Appeals concluded, the Jordans have not established that Groves failed to complete the duties of the panel chairman. Even if he did not prepare the opinion itself, the opinion complied with statutory requirements and the Jordans have not shown how they were prejudiced by the substitution. FMC Corp. v. Brown (1990), Ind., 551 N.E.2d 444, 447. The trial court properly considered the opinion of the medical review panel.