Response favorable to Expert Witness Affirmation Statement
Response to the AAOS Expert Witness Affirmation Statement remains highly positive as AAOS fellows and members continue to submit signed statements. Since the end of May, more than 5,600 signed Affirmation Statements have been received and entered into an online database. AAOS fellows and members can verify that their statements are properly entered in the database and determine whether another orthopaedic surgeon has signed the voluntary statement. The database, as well as the Expert Witness Affirmation Statement and cover letter from AAOS President Robert W. Bucholz, MD, are available at http://www.aaos.org/expert .
The program is gathering information about how the expert witness program is being used, based on feedback from fellows and members. Orthopaedic surgeons are being asked in court proceedings about the AAOS Expert Witness Affirmation Statement. Those testifying as expert witnesses may be questioned about whether they have signed the statement and if not, why not. In addition, a number of law firms have requested copies of signed Expert Witness Affirmation Statements in preparation for depositions or litigation. The AAOS Expert Witness Program honors these requests when the signed statement is on file. Information on how to submit requests for signed statements can be found on the Expert Witness Web site.
In addition, AAOS fellows and members are encouraged to submit complete depositions and/or court testimony to the Expert Witness Clearinghouse Project. These legal documents are not assessed or evaluated, but are made available to other fellows or their attorneys to help them prepare for depositions or litigation.
Information about the Expert Witness Clearinghouse Project and how to submit documents is available on the Expert Witness Program section of the AAOS Web site (www.aaos.org/expert).
Medical liability reform: The heat is on.