New constraints would be placed on litigation filed against senior living facilities, including a ban  on expert witnesses testifying on a contingency fee basis, under provisions of a bill introduced this week in the Florida Legislature.

Rep. Randall Maggard (R-Dade City) introduced House Bill 1029 on Tuesday. The bill would place new rules on admitting evidence when senior residents make claims of rights violations, according to the bill’s text. Tort reform backers see such provisions as sensible to reduce excessive litigation that can drive up senior living costs.

The bill would prohibit adult children of residents of senior living facilities from receiving non-economic damages from litigation. The bill would update code regarding nursing homes and adult living facilities to create parity with existing medical malpractice protections. Similar laws regarding hospital litigation in Florida was changed about 10 years ago.

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