Certificate of Merit
(PA)

Summary

This template is a certificate of merit required in certain professional liability matters under Pennsylvania law. Use this template if you are commencing or have commenced a professional liability action in Pennsylvania. The language and form substantially comply with the certificate of merit template requirements of Pa. R.C.P. No. 1042.10. This template contains practical guidance and drafting notes. Plaintiffs who assert professional liability claims, alleging that a "licensed professional deviated from an acceptable professional standard," must file a certificate of merit. Pa. R.C.P. No. 1042.3(a); see also, e.g., Gondek v. Bio-Medical Applications of Pa., Inc., 919 A.2d 283 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2007); Dental Care Assocs. v. Keller Eng'rs, Inc., 954 A.2d 597 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2008); Shon v. Karason, 920 A.2d 1285 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2007). Specifically, a certificate of merit is required in action against the following licensed professionals: • Medical and health care providers • Accountants • Architects • Chiropractors • Dentists • Engineers and land surveyors • Nurses • Optometrists • Pharmacists • Physical therapists • Psychologists • Veterinarians • Attorneys at law See Pa. R.C.P. No. 1042.1(c). You must file the certificate of merit within 60 days after the filing of the complaint. Pa. R.C.P. No. 1042.3(a). A separate certificate is required for each licensed professional against whom a claim is brought. Pa. R.C.P. No. 1042.3(b)(1). For related templates, see Notice of Intent to Enter Judgment of Non Pros (Failure to File Certificate of Merit) (PA) and Praecipe to Enter Judgment of Non Pros (Failure to File Certificate of Merit) (PA).