INTRODUCTION

This medical malpractice cáse is before us for the second time. In Roberts v Mecosta Co Gen Hosp, 466 Mich 57; 642 NW2d 663 (2002) (Roberts I), we held that the statute of limitations could not be tolled under MCL 600.5856(d) unless notice was given in compliance with all the provisions of MCL 600.2912b, and that § 2912b imposed no requirement on defendants to object to the sufficiency of plaintiffs notices of intent before the filing of the complaint. Because the Court of Appeals had not addressed the trial court’s conclusion that plaintiffs notices of intent did not comply with § 2912b, we *682remanded the matter to that Court for further proceedings. On remand, the Court of Appeals held that plaintiffs notices of intent strictly complied with the provisions of § 2912b.

We conclude that plaintiffs notices of intent are deficient in several respects and that, therefore, the statute of limitations was not tolled under § 5856(d). The unambiguous language of MCL 600.2912b(4) requires a medical malpractice plaintiff to include in her notice of intent a statement of (1) the factual basis for the claim, (2) the applicable standard of practice or care alleged by the claimant, (3) the manner in which it is claimed that the applicable standard of practice or care was breached, (4) the alleged action that should have been taken to comply with the alleged standard, (5) the manner in which it is claimed that the breach was the proximate cause of the injury claimed in the notice, and (6) the names of all professionals and facilities the claimant is notifying. Although the notices of intent in this case are not wholly deficient with regard to the above requirements, they are nonetheless not in full compliance with § 2912b because they fail to properly set forth allegations regarding the standard of practice or care applicable to each named defendant, allegations regarding the manner in which it was claimed that defendants breached the applicable standards of practice or care, the alleged actions that defendants should have taken in order to satisfy the alleged standards, or allegations of the manner in which defendants’ breaches of the standards constituted the proximate cause of plaintiffs injury.

Because plaintiff did not fully comply with the unambiguous requirements of § 2912b(4), we reverse the decision of the Court of Appeals and we reinstate the *683judgments of the trial court granting defendants’ motions for summary disposition.

I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

We set forth the following recitation of facts in our prior opinion:

Plaintiff was pregnant and sought treatment because she was experiencing severe pain in her abdomen. She was diagnosed as having suffered a spontaneous abortion and a D & C [dilation and curettage] was performed. Plaintiff alleges that it was later discovered that she had actually been suffering from an ectopic pregnancy, not a spontaneous abortion, and that her left fallopian tube had burst. Emergency surgery was performed to remove plaintiffs left fallopian tube. Plaintiff claims that as a result of the second operation, she can no longer bear children because her right fallopian tube had previously been removed.

Plaintiff decided to pursue a medical malpractice claim, alleging that defendants misdiagnosed her condition and subsequently performed an unnecessary operation.

Plaintiff served a notice of intent on defendant Mecosta County General Hospital on September 19, 1996, and on the. remaining defendants on September 23, 1996. Serving these notices constituted plaintiffs attempt to (1) meet the notice requirements for medical malpractice actions prescribed by MCL 600.2912b and (2) toll the statute of limitations pursuant to MCL 600.5856(d).

After the waiting period required under MCL 600.2912b had passed, plaintiff filed her complaint. Thereafter, defendants filed motions for summary disposition. Defendants argued, inter alia, that plaintiffs claims were barred by the statute of limitations because the notices of intent failed to comply with the requirements outlined in MCL 600.2912b(4). Specifically, defendants asserted that plaintiffs notices failed to sufficiently state the standard of care, the manner in which the standard was breached, the action the defendants should have taken, and the proximate cause of the injury. Defendants advanced the position that, since *684the notices were insufficient, the period of limitation was not tolled under MCL 600.5856(d) and had therefore expired. The trial court granted the motions for summary disposition.

The Court of Appeals reversed and remanded, holding that defendants had waived their ability to challenge plaintiffs failure to comply with the notice requirements because they did not raise their objections before the time the complaint was filed .... [Roberts I, supra at 59-61.]

This Court reversed the decision of the Court of Appeals, holding that (1) the statute of limitations was not tolled unless notice was given in compliance with all the provisions of § 2912b, (2) that § 2912b imposed no duty on defendants to challenge any deficiencies in the notices of intent before the complaint was filed, and (3) that defendants were not required to assert the statute of limitations defense or to challenge the sufficiency of the notices of intent until after plaintiff filed suit. Roberts I, supra. We “expressed] no opinion concerning plaintiffs compliance or noncompliance with MCL 600.2912b, an issue that the Court of Appeals declined to answer.” Id. at 71 n 8. We remanded the matter to the Court of Appeals to address this issue. Id. at 71.

On remand, the Court of Appeals held that plaintiffs notices of intent strictly complied with the requirements of § 2912b.1 252 Mich App 664, 666; 653 NW2d 441 (2002). The panel opined that plaintiff s notices of intent set forth a proper factual basis for her claim and a sufficient, even if not accurate, allegation as to the applicable standard of practice or care. Id. at 667-670. The panel further concluded that, by reference to the recitations of the factual basis for the claim, the notices of intent set forth the manner in which it was claimed *685that the applicable standards of care were breached, the alleged actions that should have been taken, and the manner in which it was alleged that the breaches of the standards of care were the proximate cause of plaintiff s injury. The panel likewise concluded that the notices properly set forth the names of all health professionals and facilities that plaintiff notified in relation to the claim.

II. STANDARD OF REVIEW

This case involves questions of statutory interpretation, which are reviewed de novo. Roberts I, supra at 62. We review the trial court’s grant of summary disposition de novo. Id.

III. ANALYSIS A. RELEVANT STATUTES

MCL 600.2912b(l)2 precludes a medical malpractice claimant from commencing suit against a health professional or health facility unless written notice is provided to that professional or facility before the action is commenced. After providing the written notice, the claimant is required to wait for the applicable notice period to pass before filing suit.3

*686The two-year period of limitation for medical malpractice actions is tolled during the notice period “after the date notice is given in compliance with section 2912b.” MCL 600.5856(d) (emphasis supplied). Thus, in order to toll the limitation period under § 5856(d), the claimant is required to comply with all the requirements of § 2912b. Roberts I, supra at 64.

MCL 600.2912b(4) enumerates the specific topics that the claimant is required to address in the written notice of intent:

The notice given to a health professional or health facility under this section shall contain a statement of at least all of the following:

(a) The factual basis for the claim.

(b) The applicable standard of practice or care alleged by the claimant.

(c) The manner in which it is claimed that the applicable standard of practice or care was breached by the health professional or health facility.

(d) The alleged action that should have been taken to achieve compliance with the alleged standard of practice or care.

(e) The manner in which it is alleged the breach of the standard of practice or care was the proximate cause of the injury claimed in the notice.

(f) The names of all health professionals and health facilities the claimant is notifying under this section in relation to the claim. [Emphasis supplied.]

*687It is against this unambiguous statutory backdrop that we must determine the adequacy of plaintiffs notices of intent.

B. PLAINTIFF’S NOTICES OF INTENT DO NOT COMPLY WITH § 2912B(4)

Plaintiff provided the following notice of intent to defendant Mecosta County General Hospital:

1. FACTUAL BASIS FOR CLAIM

This is a claim for negligence which occurred on October 4, 1994, at Mecosta County General Hospital. It is claimed that on said date while pregnant with her first child, Claimant presented herself to Mecosta County General Hospital complaining of severe pain. At that time a diagnosis of a spontaneous abortion was made and a D and C was performed. Claimant was sent home at that time.

Over the course of the next few days Claimant continued to experience pain and cramping and, on October 7, 1994, was again seen at Mecosta County General Hospital. Claimant was told that the pain she was experiencing was cramps from the D and C she had done and was sent home.

Claimant returned to the hospital on October 8, 1994, wherein it was discovered that Claimant had not had a spontaneous abortion but had an ectopic pregnancy in her left tube which had burst. Emergency surgery was performed at that time and her left tube was removed.

Claimant had her right tube removed approximately ten years ago and, as a result of the negligence set forth above, she is now unable to have children.

2. THE APPLICABLE STANDARD OF PRACTICE OR CARE ALLEGED

Claimant contends that the applicable standard of care required that Mecosta County General Hospital provide the claimant with the services of competent, qualified and licensed staff of physicians, residents, interns, nurses and other employees to properly care for her, render competent advice and assistance in the care and treatment of her case and to render same in accordance with the applicable standard of care.

*6883. THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS CONTENDED THAT THE APPLICABLE STANDARD OF CARE WAS BREACHED

See paragraph 2 above.[4]

4. THE ACTION THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARD OF PRACTICE OR CARE

See paragraph 2 above.

5. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE BREACH WAS THE PROXIMATE CAUSE OF CLAIMED INJURY

See paragraph 2 above.

6. NAMES OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, ENTITIES, AND FACILITIES NOTIFIED

Mecosta County General Hospital and all agents and employees, actual or ostensible, thereof.

Plaintiff subsequently provided the following notice of intent to the remaining defendants (Obstetrics & Gynecology of Big Rapids, EC.; Gail DesNoyers, an obstetrician, and Barb Davis, RA.C., a physician’s assistant, both of whom were affiliated with the professional corporation; and Michael Atkins, M.D., a physician who treated plaintiff at the hospital’s emergency room):

1. FACTUAL BASIS FOR CLAIM

This is a claim for negligence which occurred on October 4, 1994, at Obstetrics & Gynecology of Big Rapids. It is claimed that on said date, while pregnant with her first child, Claimant presented herself to Barb Davis, PAC, Dr. Michael Atkins, and Dr. Gail DesNoyers complaining of severe abdominal pain and bleeding. At that time a diagnosis of a spontaneous abortion was made and a D & C was performed at Mecosta County General Hospital. Claimant was sent home at that time, despite Dr. DesNoyer’s [sic] knowledge of Claimant’s history of a prior ectopic pregnancy.

*689Over the course of the next few days, Claimant continued to experience pain and cramping and, on October 7, 1994, was seen at Mecosta County General Hospital by Dr. Michael Atkins. Claimant was told that the pain she was experiencing was cramps from the D & C she had done and was sent home.

Claimant returned to the hospital on October 8, 1994, wherein it was discovered that Claimant had not had a spontaneous abortion but had an ectopic pregnancy in her left tube which had burst. Emergency surgery was performed at that time and her left tube was removed.

Claimant had her right tube removed approximately ten years ago and, as a result of the negligence set forth above, she is now unable to have any children.

2. THE APPLICABLE STANDARD OF PRACTICE OR CARE ALLEGED

Claimant contends that the applicable standard of care

required that Obstetrics & Gynecology of Big Rapids, Dr. Gail DesNoyers and Barb Davis, PAC, provide the Claimant with the services of competent, qualified and licensed staff of physicians, residents, interns, nurses and other employees to properly care for her, render competent advice and assistance in the care and treatment of her case and to render same in accordance with the applicable standard of care.

3. THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS CONTENDED THAT THE APPLICABLE STANDARD OF PRACTICE OR CARE WAS BREACHED

Claimant claims that Obstetrics & Gynecology of Big Rapids, Dr. Gail DesNoyers and Barb Davis, PAC, failed to provide her with the applicable standard of practice and care outlined in paragraph 2 above.

4. THE ACTION THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARD OF PRACTICE OR CARE

See paragraph 2 above.

5. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE BREACH WAS THE PROXIMATE CAUSE OF CLAIMED INJURY

See paragraph 2 above.

*6906. NAMES OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, ENTITIES, AND FACILITIES NOTIFIED

Obstetrics & Gynecology of Big Rapids, Gail DesNoyers, M.D., Michael Atkins, M.D., Barb Davis, PAC, and all agents and employees, actual or ostensible, thereof.

Plaintiffs notices of intent primarily set forth facts demonstrating an unfavorable outcome—the fact that plaintiff had suffered an ectopic pregnancy and a ruptured “left tube” that was not diagnosed by defendants. Although the notices satisfy some of the requirements of § 2912b, they do not satisfy all of those requirements. Missing from the notices are (1) a statement of the particular standard of practice or care applicable to each of the various defendants, (2) statements regarding the manner in which it was claimed that defendants breached the alleged standards of practice or care, (3) statements alleging the actions that should have been taken by defendants, and (4) statements regarding the manner in which defendants’ breaches of the standards of practice or care were alleged to have constituted the proximate cause of plaintiffs injury.

1. MCL 600.2912b(4)(a): FACTUAL BASIS

We agree with the Court of Appeals that the notices of intent, which generally describe the events that led to plaintiffs alleged injury, properly set out the factual basis for plaintiffs claim.

2. MCL 600.2912b(4)(b): STANDARD OF PRACTICE OR CARE

The Court of Appeals panel declined to find fault with plaintiffs statements of the standard of care, noting that (1) “defendants direct us to no authority to establish that the stated standard of care is incorrect, *691nor do they direct us to what they believe is the proper standard of care,” and (2) “[t]he statute does not require that the claimant accurately or correctly state the standard of care nor does it declare the notice to be inadequate if the plaintiff is incorrect in stating the standard of care.” 252 Mich App 670.

With respect to the panel’s first point, it is plaintiffs burden to establish compliance with § 2912b and, in turn, to establish entitlement to application of the notice tolling provision, § 5856(d). See Roberts I, supra at 64.

With respect to the panel’s second point, we acknowledge that the notice of intent is provided at the earliest stage of a medical malpractice proceeding. Indeed, the notice must be provided before the action can even be commenced. At the notice stage, discovery as contemplated in our court rules, MCR 2.300 et seg., has not been commenced, and it is likely that the claimant has not yet been provided access to the records of the professional or facility named in the notice.5 It is therefore reasonably anticipatable that plaintiffs aver-ments as to the applicable standard may prove to be “inaccurate” or erroneous following formal discovery; moreover, it is probable that the alleged standard of care will be disputed by the defendants.6 In light of these circumstances, the claimant is not required to craft her notice with omniscience.7 However, what is *692required is that the claimant make a good-faith effort to aver the specific standard of care that she is claiming to be applicable to each particular professional or facility that is named in the notice.8

Here, several different medical caregivers were alleged to have engaged in medical malpractice. Yet, rather than stating an alleged standard of practice or care for each of the various defendants—a hospital, a professional corporation, an obstetrician, a physician’s assistant, and an emergency room physician— plaintiffs notices of intent allege an identical statement applicable to all defendants9 in response to § 2912b(4)(b):

[T]he applicable standard of care required that [the hospital, the EC., Desnoyers, and Davis] provide the Claimant with the services of competent, qualified and licensed staff of physicians, residents, interns, nurses and other employees to properly care for her, render competent *693advice and assistance in the care and treatment of her case and to render same in accordance with the applicable standard of care.

With respect to the hospital and the professional corporation, this statement does not allege a standard applicable specifically to a hospital or professional corporation as opposed to any other healthcare professional or facility. Moreover, this statement fails to indicate whether plaintiff was alleging that these defendants were vicariously or directly liable to her.10 Although it appears from plaintiffs complaint that she is claiming that the hospital and the professional corporation are vicariously liable for the negligence of their agents, the notices of intent implied that plaintiff alleged direct negligence against these defendants for negligently hiring or negligently granting staff privileges to the individual defendants. Thus, plaintiffs notices neither alleged a standard specifically applicable to the defendant facilities, nor did they serve as adequate notice to these defendants that plaintiff planned to proceed under a vicarious liability theory at trial.

The section of plaintiffs alleged standard of care that appears to be relevant to individual defendants Des-Noyers and Davis states that

the applicable standard of care required that... [they] render competent advice and assistance in the care and treatment of her case and to render same in accordance with the applicable standard of care.

Thus, in response to the statutory query, “What is the applicable standard or practice or care alleged by the claimant?”, plaintiff has essentially answered in part: *694“The standard of care required that defendants adhere to the standard of care.” Obviously, this statement is tautological and unresponsive, and it cannot be viewed as minimally compliant with § 2912b(4)(b). The alleged standard also observes that defendants DesNoyers and Davis were required to “properly care for” plaintiff and to “render competent advice and assistance.” Such general averments, however, are not adequately responsive to the statutory requirement that the claimant allege an applicable standard of practice or care relevant to the defendant.11

Again, plaintiff was not required to provide' a statement of alleged standards of care or practice that might ultimately be proven, after discovery and trial, to be correct and accurate in every respect. However, plaintiff was required to make a good-faith averment of some particularized standard for each of the professionals and facilities named in the notices.12 We conclude *695that plaintiffs’ notices fail to comply with § 2912b(4)(b) with respect to each defendant.

3. MCL 600.2912b(4)(c): BREACH

In response to § 2912b(4)(c), which requires a claimant to state “[t]he manner in which it is claimed that the applicable standard of practice or care was breached,” plaintiffs notice to the hospital states “See paragraph 2 above.” The notice provided to the remaining defendants13 states:

Claimant claims that Obstetrics & Gynecology of Big Rapids, Dr. Gail DesNoyers and Barb Davis, PAC, failed to provide her with the applicable standard of practice and care outlined in paragraph 2 above.

The Court of Appeals panel held that the notices complied with § 2912b(4)(c):

If we look only to the statements in paragraphs two and three of the notices, they arguably do not comply with the statute, particularly with respect to the individual defendants. However, nothing in the statute requires that the notice of intent be in a particular format or that each of the six statutory items be separately listed or identified. If we examine the respective first paragraphs of the notices (the factual basis for the claim), we do find a statement of the manner in which plaintiff claims the standard of practice or care was breached. Specifically, the notices clearly state *696that the medical personnel incorrectly diagnosed a spontaneous abortion rather than an ectopic pregnancy, resulting in the loss of plaintiffs only remaining fallopian tube, thus rendering her sterile. [252 Mich App 672.]

We agree that nothing in § 2912b(4) requires that the notice be in any particular format. The statute does, however, clearly require the claimant to provide “a statement” of each, of the enumerated categories of information, and we disagree with the panel’s conclusion that the required information need not be “separately ... identified.” Certainly, the statement must identify, in a readily ascertainable manner, the specific information mandated by § 2912b(4).

The notices fail to identify how the various defendants breached the applicable standards of care. Here, the hospital’s notice of intent refers to paragraph 2, in which the alleged standard of practice or care is set out. The notice of intent applicable to the remaining defendants states that defendants, defendant Atkins excluded, “failed to provide [plaintiff] with the applicable standard of practice and care.” In both instances, plaintiff has stated, in essence: “Defendants breached the standard of care by breaching the standard of care.” Such a circular and unresponsive assertion is not minimally compliant with the statutory mandate that plaintiff provide a statement of the manner in which defendants breached the applicable standards of care.14

*697We are also unable to discern in the paragraphs setting forth the factual basis for the claim any statement of the manner in which the standards of care were breached. The notices indicate that plaintiff complained of severe pain, was diagnosed with a miscarriage, underwent a dilation and curettage procedure, was sent home, returned to the hospital four days later, was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, and underwent surgery to remove her “left tube.” Although these are certainly tragic circumstances, the facts as set forth in the notices simply do not serve to notify defendants of the manner in which they breached their respective standard of care. The notices do not aver how plaintiff alleged her treatment by any defendant was deficient. There is no allegation, for example, that any of the defendants failed to perform critical tests, incorrectly diagnosed her condition, or failed to refer her to a specialist in keeping with the appropriate standard of care. Although, perhaps, an inference arises from the recitation of facts that plaintiff was alleging that one or more of the defendants should have earlier diagnosed an ectopic pregnancy, such an “inference” is not sufficient to meet the statutory requirement that plaintiff provide a statement of the manner in which each defendant breached the applicable standard of care.15

*6984. MCL 600.2912b(4)(d): ACTION THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN

In response to § 2912b(4)(d), which mandates a statement of “[t]he alleged action that should have been taken to achieve compliance with the alleged standard of practice or care,” plaintiffs notices merely refer the reader to “paragraph 2” (which, on appeal, plaintiff claims should have read “paragraph 1”). The Court of Appeals panel held that the recitations of facts in the notices were sufficient to meet this requirement:

Clearly, when reading the notices as a whole, plaintiff alleges that the action that should have been taken was to have timely diagnosed the ectopic pregnancy so that it could have been treated without the loss of plaintiffs left fallopian tube. [252 Mich App 672.]

Once again, we disagree. Plaintiff has failed to identify any particular action that any defendant should have taken in order to achieve compliance with the standard of care. Defendants are left to guess not only which aspect of plaintiffs treatment was deficient, but what plaintiff alleges defendants should have done differently.

*699Plaintiffs notices of intent fail to satisfy the requirement of § 2912b(4)(e) that the notice contain a statement of “[t]he manner in which it is alleged the breach of the standard of practice or care was the proximate cause of the injury claimed in the notice.” The Court of Appeals held that

plaintiff clearly states that the misdiagnosis resulted in having to have emergency surgery four days later to remove her only remaining fallopian tube as a result of the tube bursting from the undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, thus rendering her sterile. This is clearly a statement of the manner in which it is alleged that the breach of the standard of practice or care proximately caused the injury. [253 Mich App 673.]

We disagree with the assertion that plaintiff “clearly state[d]” that a misdiagnosis by any of the defendants resulted in her fallopian tube bursting and in her ensuing sterility. Nowhere in the notices does plaintiff state that any of the defendants misdiagnosed her condition; nor do the notices state any consequences stemming from a misdiagnosis. Indeed, the reader is left to wonder whether plaintiff is alleging that a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy could have been made in time to avoid the rupture of her “tube,” or whether she is alleging that her tube ruptured as a direct result of her treatment by defendants DesNoyers and Davis on October 4,1996.16 With no specific allegations regarding *700the conduct of any of the named defendants, the notices are insufficient to meet the particularized requirements of § 2912b(4)(e).17

6. MCL 600.2912B(4)(F): HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND FACILITIES

Finally, we agree with the Court of Appeals that the notices of intent, which list “Mecosta County General Hospital and all agents and employees, actual or ostensible, thereof” as well as “Obstetrics & Gynecology of Big Rapids, Gail DesNoyers, M.D., Michael Atkins, M.D., Barb Davis, PAC, and all agents and employees, actual or ostensible, thereof,” contain a proper statement of the names of all defendant health professionals and facilities.

IV CONCLUSION

Under MCL 600.2912b(4), a medical malpractice claimant is required to provide potential defendants with notice that includes a “statement” of each of the statutorily enumerated categories of information. Al*701though it is reasonable to expect that some of the particulars of the information supplied by the claimant will evolve as discovery and litigation proceed, the claimant is required to make good-faith averments that provide details that are responsive to the information sought by the statute and that are as particularized as is consistent with the early notice stage of the proceedings. The information in the notice of intent must be set forth with that degree of specificity which will put the potential defendants on notice as to the nature of the claim against them. This is not an onerous task: all the claimant must do is specify what it is that she is claiming under each of the enumerated categories in § 2912b(4). Although there is no one method or format in which a claimant must set forth the required information, that information must, nevertheless, be specifically identified in an ascertainable manner within the notice.

The notices of intent supplied by plaintiff to defendants in this case fail to comply with the statutory mandate. Among the defendants are two different facilities, an obstetrician, an emergency room physician, and a physician’s assistant, yet no attempt was made to identify a specific standard of practice or care applicable to any particular defendant. Rather than indicating the manner in which the (improperly alleged) standards of care were breached by defendants, the notices simply indicate that the standards were, in fact, breached. Nowhere in the notices does plaintiff state what actions the various defendants should have taken to comply with the appropriate standards of practice or care, or how defendants’ conduct constituted the proximate cause of plaintiffs claimed injury. Although the factual recitations in the notices indicate that plaintiff suffered an adverse medical result, this result is not connected in any meaningful way with the conduct of any defendant. *702Accordingly, plaintiff did not fulfill her obligation under § 2912b, and the statute of limitations was not tolled during the notice period. We therefore reverse the judgment of the Court of Appeals and reinstate the judgments of the trial court granting summary disposition to defendants.

(dissenting).

introduction

We granted leave to appeal to determine what constitutes an adequate notice of intent under MCL 600.2912b(4) preparatory to the filing of a medical malpractice complaint. The majority concludes that the statute requires a high degree of specificity at the notice stage of a potential lawsuit.

I respectfully disagree. Requiring such a level of specificity is inconsistent with the statute’s words and purpose. I would hold that the notice of intent must provide sufficient information about a claim that a defendant may ascertain and investigate its basis and determine whether to discuss settlement. After reviewing the notices of intent that plaintiff provided in this case, I conclude that they satisfy the statute’s requirements. Therefore, I would affirm the decision of the Court of Appeals.

facts and procedural history

Early in her pregnancy, plaintiff experienced severe abdominal pain and bleeding. The defendant physicians *703diagnosed a spontaneous abortion, performed a dilation and curettage procedure, and sent plaintiff home to recover.

Plaintiffs pain persisted. Three days later, it worsened and she sought care at the defendant hospital. The emergency room doctor, defendant Atkins, diagnosed cramps and released plaintiff.

Later that night, plaintiff returned to the defendant hospital. It was determined that she had had an ectopic pregnancy that had ruptured her left fallopian tube. The defendant physicians removed plaintiffs left fallopian tube. Because her right fallopian tube had been removed several years earlier, the operation rendered her sterile. Plaintiff brought suit for medical malpractice. She claimed that the physicians’ misdiagnoses led to her sterility.

Plaintiffs counsel sent to the defendant hospital an initial notice of intent to sue, as required by MCL 600.2912b(4).1 Counsel amended the notice approxi*704mately a month later, added other defendants who are agents or employees of the hospital, and sent the amended notice to them.

Ultimately, plaintiff brought suit and defendants moved for summary disposition. They asserted that the notices of intent failed to comply with MCL 600.2912b(4), and because by then the statutory period of limitations had expired, plaintiffs claims were barred. The trial court granted the motion. The Court of Appeals vacated the decision and remanded the case. 240 Mich App 175; 610 NW2d 285 (2000). It held that defendants had waived their right to challenge the sufficiency of the notices.

This Court granted leave to appeal. A majority found that a challenge to the sufficiency of the notices had not been waived. It then remanded the case to the Court of Appeals to consider whether plaintiff had complied with the statute’s notice requirements. Roberts v Mecosta Co Gen Hosp, 466 Mich 57; 642 NW2d 663 (2002) (Roberts I). On remand, the Court of Appeals held that the plaintiff had complied with the requirements. Roberts v Mecosta Co Gen Hosp (On Remand), 252 Mich App 664; 653 NW2d 441 (2002). We again granted leave to appeal. 468 Mich 869 (2003).

STANDARD OF REVIEW

We review summary disposition judgments de novo. Harvey v Michigan, 469 Mich 1, 6; 664 NW2d 767 *705(2003). We also review questions of statutory interpretation de novo. Omelenchuk v City of Warren, 461 Mich 567, 571 n 10; 609 NW2d 177 (2000). See also Roberts I at 62.

STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION AND ANALYSIS

The issue before us is whether plaintiffs notices satisfied the requirements of MCL 600.2912b(4). Our duty is to determine what the Legislature intended. Omelenchuk at 576 n 19. We begin with the language of the statute, and if the intent of the Legislature is clearly expressed, no further construction is warranted. Helder v Sruba, 462 Mich 92, 99; 611 NW2d 309 (2000).

The statute by its terms requires that the notice contain a “statement” of at least six items: (1) the factual basis for the claim, (2) the alleged applicable standard of practice or care, (3) the alleged manner in which the applicable standard of practice or care was breached, (4) the alleged action that should have been taken to comply with the applicable standard of practice or care, (5) the manner in which the breach of the standard of care proximately caused the injury, and (6) the names of all health professionals and health facilities that the claimant is notifying under the statute. MCL 600.2912b(4).

To ascertain what the Legislature intended by this statute, we first examine the meaning of the word “statement.” The statute does not define “statement,” and a resort to a lay dictionary to ascertain the meaning intended is of limited usefulness. One dictionary provides:

Statement, n 1. something stated. 2. a communication or declaration in speech or writing, setting forth facts, *706particulars, etc. 3. a single sentence or assertion: I disagree with your last statement. [Random House Webster’s College Dictionary (1995).]

A “statement” can be merely a general assertion or it can be a detailed description.

Plaintiff argues that the statute requires the former, and defendants argue that it requires the latter. The word as it appears in the sentence is susceptible to both meanings. Thus, to determine what the statute intends, we examine its structure as a whole, and particularly, the text surrounding the word “statement.” G C Timmis & Co v Guardian Alarm Co, 468 Mich 416, 420; 662 NW2d 710 (2003).

In discerning the intended meaning, we consider also the Legislature’s apparent purpose in enacting the provision. In re Wirsing, 456 Mich 467, 474; 573 NW2d 51 (1998). We may even consider legislative history. Adrian School Dist v Michigan Pub School Employees Retirement Sys, 458 Mich 326, 335; 582 NW2d 767 (1998).

The statute in question requires that claimants alleging medical malpractice send a notice of intent to sue to potential defendants at least 182 days before filing a complaint. MCL 600.2912b(l). Each potential party is then required to make available to the others medical records in his possession relating to the claim. MCL 600.2912b(5).

Within 154 days after receiving the notice of intent, the defendants are required to respond to it stating (1) the factual basis for their defense to the claim, (2) the standard of practice or care that they allege is applicable, (3) the manner in which they claim to have complied with the standard of care, and (4) the reasons why they contend that they were not the proximate cause of the plaintiffs alleged injury. MCL 600.2912b(7).

*707The statute anticipates that the defendants will often challenge the alleged applicable standard of practice or care and the manner in which it was breached. Id. The statutory period of limitations is tolled during the waiting period after the notice of intent is sent. MCL 600.5856(d). The 182-day waiting period before the filing of a complaint is immediately lifted if the defendants communicate in writing that they do not intend to settle the claim. MCL 600.2912b(9).

The overall structure and the operation of the notice provision suggest that the Legislature intended the act to encourage settlement discussions.2 The 182-day waiting period enables the parties to engage in settlement discussions before initiating a lawsuit, possibly avoiding litigation entirely. During this period, information is exchanged without regard to the formal rules of discovery.

Moreover, the plaintiff is effectively immobilized while awaiting a response from the defendants. The waiting period is waived only if the defendants file written notice that they do not intend to settle the claim.

At this stage in the dispute, it is unlikely that all anticipated experts and witnesses will have been identified and deposed. Theories of liability and defenses may not have been developed with precision. A higher level of specificity about a claim emerges from the information exchanged by the parties after the notice is sent.

The statute works no unfairness on defendants. The potential defendants who receive the notice assuredly *708possess a high level of medical expertise. They do not require information of great specificity in order to begin investigating an impending lawsuit. Also, most of the records pertinent to a medical malpractice claim are likely to be under the control of the defendants. A general assertion of the basis for the claim and of the items required by the statute is sufficient to inform them about the claim and to encourage settlement discussions.

Moreover, the provision does not require a “unique standard,” “specific” information, or a “particularized” statement as the majority asserts. Ante at 694-695, 696. Had the Legislature intended extensive detail in the notice, it would have required it.

Numerous other statutes specify “detailed,” “complete,” or “full” statements, or statements made “with specificity.” In the State Employees’ Retirement Act, for example, each member is required to file a “detailed statement” of his prior service as an employee. MCL 38.14.

MCL 500.424(2) in the Insurance Code provides:

In addition to subsection (1), an alien insurer shall make and execute under oath a report of its financial standing and of its deposit together with a full statement of its business in the United States for the year preceding the statement pursuant to section 438. [Emphasis added.]

MCL 462.2(2) in the railroad commission act requires the governor to provide a “complete statement” of the charges against a railroad commissioner after removing the commissioner for neglect of duty or malfeasance. MCL 333.22231(4) states:

(4) Before a final decision on an application is made, the bureau of the department designated by the director as responsible for the certificate of need program shall issue a proposed decision with specific findings of fact in support of the proposed decision with regard to each of the criteria *709listed in section 22225. The proposed decision also shall state with specificity the reasons and authority of the department for the proposed decision. The department shall transmit a copy of the proposed decision to the applicant. [Emphasis added.]

These provisions demonstrate that the Legislature knows what phrasing to use when it intends to require extensive detail. Because it did not explicitly mandate such specificity in this statute, we should refrain from adding it ourselves.

In the past, the Court has avoided making a requirement that notices be detailed if they serve the object of the statute and do not prejudice the defendant. Hum-mel v Grand Rapids, 319 Mich 616, 625; 30 NW2d 372 (1948). The decision in Omelenchuk recognized that tolling provisions should not be traps for the unwary and that, without proper notice, there can be no tolling. Given that medical malpractice actions are complex and fact-intensive, the Court is ill-advised to require a detailed blueprint for notices of intent where the Legislature did not.3 Omelenchuk at 576, n 19.

FACTUAL ANALYSIS

With these considerations in mind, I examine the notices that plaintiff sent in this case to determine if they satisfy the statute.

*710The September 19, 1996, notice of intent, amending the August 15, 1996, notice sent to the defendant hospital set out the following factual basis:

This is a claim for negligence which occurred on October 4, 1994, at Mecosta County General Hospital. It is claimed that on said date while pregnant with her first child, Claimant presented herself to Mecosta County General Hospital complaining of severe pain. At that time a diagnosis of a spontaneous abortion was made and a D and C was performed. Claimant was sent home at that time.

Over the course of the next few days Claimant continued to experience pain and cramping and, on October 7, 1994, was again seen at Mecosta County General Hospital. Claimant was told that the pain she was experiencing was cramps from the D and C she had done and was sent home.

Claimant returned to the hospital on October 8, 1994, wherein it was discovered that Claimant had not had a spontaneous abortion but had an ectopic pregnancy in her left tube which had burst. Emergency surgery was performed at that time and her left tube was removed.

Claimant had her right tube removed approximately ten years ago and, as a result of the negligence set forth above, she is now unable to have any children.

The September 23, 1996, notice of intent sent to the remaining defendants gave the following factual basis:

This is a claim for negligence which occurred on October 4, 1994, at Obstetrics & Gynecology of Big Rapids. It is claimed that on said date while pregnant with her first child, Claimant presented herself to Barb Davis, PAC, Dr. Michael Atkins, and Dr. Gail DesNoyers complaining of severe abdominal pain and bleeding. At that time a diagnosis of a spontaneous abortion was made and a D & C was performed at Mecosta County General Hospital. Claimant was sent home at that time, despite Dr. DesNoyer’s [sic] knowledge of Claimant’s history of a prior ectopic pregnancy.

*711Over the course of the next few days, Claimant continued to experience pain and cramping and, on October 7, 1994, was seen at Mecosta County General Hospital by Dr. Michael Atkins. Claimant was told that the pain she was experiencing was cramps from the D & C she had done and was sent home.

Claimant returned to the hospital on October 8, 1994, wherein it was discovered that Claimant had not had a spontaneous abortion but had an ectopic pregnancy in her left tube which had burst. Emergency surgery was performed at that time and her left tube was removed.

Claimant had her right tube removed approximately ten years ago and, as a result of the negligence set forth above, she is now unable to have any children.

In these statements, plaintiff set out the factual circumstances, alleged an initial misdiagnosis, and stated the correct diagnosis.

The September 19 notice articulated the applicable standard of care:

Claimant contends that the applicable standard of care required that Mecosta County General Hospital provide the claimant with the services of competent, qualified and licensed staff of physicians, residents, interns, nurses and other employees to properly care for her, render competent advice and assistance in the care and treatment of her case and to render same in accordance with the applicable standards of care.

Similarly, the September 23 notice contained the following:

Claimant contends that the applicable standard of care required that Obstetrics & Gynecology of Big Rapids, Dr. Gail DesNoyers and Barb Davis, PAC, provide the Claimant with the services of competent, qualified and licensed staff of physicians, residents, interns, nurses and other employees to properly care for her, render competent advice and *712assistance in the care and treatment of her case and to render same in accordance with the applicable standards of care.

Our courts have long recognized that medical malpractice is generally the failure to exercise that degree of skill, care, and diligence exercised by members of the same medical profession. Dorris v Detroit Osteopathic Hosp Corp, 460 Mich 26; 594 NW2d 455 (1999); Adkins v Annapolis Hospital, 116 Mich App 558, 564; 323 NW2d 482 (1982), affirmed 420 Mich 87; 360 NW2d 150 (1984). Plaintiffs notices state that the standard of care is to provide competent services. Because this is sufficiently close in meaning to exercising professional care, it meets the requirement of MCL 600.2912b(4)(b) to delineate the appropriate standard of care.

Where the standard of care is stated generally, it is unsurprising that the same standard is specifically applicable to each defendant. The majority’s conclusion that the Legislature intended that there be the requirement of a unique “standard applicable specifically” to each defendant, ante at 694, is myopic. This requirement is not in the statute. Hence, it does not exist.

To state the manner in which the alleged standard of care was breached under MCL 600.2912b(4)(c), the September 19 notice to the defendant hospital refers to paragraph two of the notice. The September 23 notice contains the following statement: “Claimant claims that Obstetrics & Gynecology of Big Rapids, Dr. Gail DesNoyers and Barb Davis, PAC, failed to provide her with the applicable standard of practice and care outlined in paragraph 2 above.” It is manifest that plaintiff claims that the actions of the defendant physician did not fulfill the duty of care owed to plaintiff.

*713Both notices refer to paragraph two of the respective notices to state the “[alleged] action that should have been taken to achieve compliance with the alleged standard of practice or care” and “the manner in which [it is alleged] the breach of the standard of practice or care was the proximate cause of the injury claimed in the notice.” MCL 600.2912b(4)(d), (e). When these paragraphs are read together with the first paragraphs, they state that the defendants should have correctly diagnosed plaintiff according to their professional duty. They assert that a correct diagnosis would have prevented the serious medical injury that plaintiff suffered. Finally, the notices name the defendants. MCL 600.2912b(4)(f).

I agree with the Court of Appeals that these notices are not “picture[s] of clarity” or “the ‘perfect notice.’ ” 252 Mich App 673. However, I would find them sufficient under the statute.4

CONCLUSION

I would find that the Legislature intended that parties alleging medical malpractice under MCL 600.2912b(4) provide notice of intent to sue that includes a succinct statement of certain enumerated items. It did not intend that the statement contain extensive details. The statement simply must provide *714notice of a potential claim sufficient to allow potential defendants to ascertain the basis for the claim and enter into settlement discussions.

The statements in the notices of intent to sue provided by plaintiff in this case satisfied the requirements of MCL 600.2912b(4). They addressed each of the statutorily enumerated items and provided adequate notice of plaintiffs claims. Defendants were given enough information to investigate the basis for the claims and consider settlement. Defendants have not asserted that they misunderstood the notices; they have asserted merely that the notices were insufficient under the statute.

For these reasons, I would affirm the decision of the Court of Appeals.