Guam hearing draws split testimony on measure to repeal mandatory medical arbitration and add judicial prescreening

Hearing: On June 30, 2025, the Guam Legislature's committee chaired by Senator Teweetiwi held a public hearing on Bill 82-38 (Do No Harm Act of 2025), a proposal to repeal Guam's mandatory medical-malpractice arbitration law and replace it with a judge-run prescreening process before malpractice claims can proceed to trial.

Why it matters: Sponsor Senator Parkinson said the bill aims to remove a costly barrier that she says prevents injured patients from getting their claims heard, while creating an early, public judicial review that could filter out meritless cases. Opponents — a broad group of physicians, nurses, hospital leaders and one attorney who spoke during the hearing — said the change would increase litigation costs, raise malpractice insurance premiums, and reduce access to specialists on the island.

Senator Michael Parkinson, the bill—s sponsor, told the committee the status quo effectively "slammed the courthouse door shut" for many Guam residents and argued the proposal balances access and accountability. "My goal is to balance reform that protects patients without unfairly burdening the medical community," Parkinson said. He described the bill as a repeal of the existing mandatory arbitration requirement and the creation of a "pre-litigation screening process handled by our illustrious Guam…