Opinion ID: 2318666
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Importance of the Reported Question

Text: [¶ 9] As to the first criterion of Rule 24(a), this question of law is a novel one that we expressly left open in Dickey, 2008 ME 179, ¶ 9, 960 A.2d at 1180, and it is capable of frequent repetition. Because its resolution will affect patients' ability to bring legal claims and health care providers' and practitioners' exposure to liability, we conclude that the question is sufficiently important for it to be addressed on report. See Liberty Ins. Underwriters, 2008 ME 149, ¶ 11, 957 A.2d at 98-99; York Register of Probate v. York Cnty. Probate Court, 2004 ME 58, ¶ 12, 847 A.2d 395, 398.