As used in ss. 766.301-766.316, the term:

1. (1) "Association" means the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association established in s. 766.315 to administer the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Plan and the plan of operation established in s. 766.314.

   ¹(2) "Birth-related neurological injury" means injury to the brain or spinal cord of a live infant weighing at least 2,500 grams for a single gestation or, in the case of a multiple gestation, a live infant weighing at least 2,000 grams at birth caused by oxygen deprivation or mechanical injury occurring in the course of labor, delivery, or resuscitation in the immediate postdelivery period in a hospital, which renders the infant permanently and substantially mentally and physically impaired. This definition shall apply to live births only and shall not include disability or death caused by genetic or congenital abnormality.

2. (3) "Claimant" means any person who files a claim pursuant to s. 766.305 for compensation for a birth-related neurological injury to an infant. Such a claim may be filed by any legal representative on behalf of an injured infant; and, in the case of a deceased infant, the claim may be filed by an administrator, personal representative, or other legal representative thereof.
3. (4) "Administrative law judge" means an administrative law judge appointed by the division.
4. (5) "Division" means the Division of Administrative Hearings of the Department of Management Services.
5. (6) "Hospital" means any hospital licensed in Florida.
6. (7) "Participating physician" means a physician licensed in Florida to practice medicine who practices obstetrics or performs obstetrical services either full time or part time and who had paid or was exempted from payment at the time of the injury the assessment required for participation in the birth-related neurological injury compensation plan for the year in which the injury occurred. Such term shall not apply to any physician who practices medicine as an officer, employee, or agent of the Federal Government.

7. (8) "Plan" means the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Plan established under s. 766.303.

   ¹Note.--Section 149, ch. 2001-277, provides for applicability to births occurring on or after July 1, 2001.

History.--s. 61, ch. 88-1; s. 36, ch. 88-277; s. 16, ch. 91-46; s. 2, ch. 93-251; s. 307, ch. 96-410; s. 149, ch. 2001-277.