Rule 1042.2.Complaint.
Adopted January 27, 2003 · Last amended June 16, 2008 · Last verified June 30, 2026
Full Text of Rule 1042.2
Plain-English Summary
This rule makes a malpractice plaintiff flag the professional-liability defendants up front. The complaint must identify each defendant against whom a professional liability claim is asserted, which signals who will be subject to the certificate-of-merit requirements that govern these cases.
A defendant who believes the complaint does not comply may raise the failure by preliminary objections. The Official Note even recommends model language naming the defendant as a licensed professional. Early identification tells everyone which claims trigger the special malpractice procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a professional-liability complaint identify?
Each defendant against whom a professional-liability claim is asserted. A defendant may challenge a failure to do so by preliminary objection.
Official Note
Official Note: It is recommended that the complaint read as follows: ‘‘Defendant (name) is a licensed professional with offices in County, Pennsylvania. Plaintiff is asserting a professional liability claim against this defendant.’’
Official Note: The filing of preliminary objections pursuant to Rule 1042.2(b) is not a prerequisite to the filing of a notice of intent to enter a judgment of non pros on a professional liability claim pursuant to Rule 1042.6.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1042.2 adopted January 27, 2003, effective immediately, 33 Pa.B. 748; amended June 16, 2008, effective immediately, 38 Pa.B. 3481. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (316383) to (316384).