Illinois Statutes Chapter 735. Civil Procedure § 5/2-1010. Healing art malpractice; affidavit in lieu of answer or other pleading

§ 2-1010. (a) In any action, whether in tort, contract or otherwise, in which the plaintiff seeks damages for injuries or death by reason of medical, hospital, or other healing art malpractice, a party may, in lieu of answering or otherwise pleading, file an affidavit certifying that he or she was not directly or indirectly involved in the occurrence or occurrences alleged in the action. In the event such an affidavit is filed, the court shall order the dismissal of the claim against the certifying party, except as provided for in subparagraph (b).

(b) Any party may oppose the dismissal or move to vacate the order of dismissal and reinstate the certifying party, provided he or she can show that the certifying party was directly or indirectly involved in the occurrence or occurrences alleged in the action. The party opposing the dismissal may, after the filing of an affidavit under this Section, have discovery with respect to the involvement or noninvolvement of the party filing the affidavit, provided that such discovery is completed within 60 days of the filing of such affidavit.

(c) This Section does not apply to or affect any actions pending at the time of its effective date, but applies to cases filed on or after its effective date.