Medical Certificate Law Claim Fails to Make Suit Federal Case

An attorney-plaintiff who alleged that New Jersey’s certificate of merit requirement for medical malpractice suits is unconstitutional failed to transform his state-law action into a federal case, the Third Circuit said Monday.

Alfred DeGennaro may not assert federal court jurisdiction by adding a federal constitutional challenge to a complaint alleging state-law claims, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit said in the unpublished opinion.

DeGennaro became ill with a thyroid condition, according to the court. His doctor-prescribed medication caused side effects, including depression and hair loss. DeGennero sued the doctor in federal court.

New Jersey law requires medical ...