The parties shall include among the issues to be briefed whether the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), PL 104-191,110 Stat 1936, permits ex parte interviews by defense counsel with treating physicians pursuant to a qualified protective order.

The motion for leave to file brief amicus curiae is granted. The Michigan Association for Justice and Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, Inc., are invited to file briefs amicus curiae. Other persons or groups interested in the determination of the issue presented in this case may move the Court for permission to file briefs amicus curiae.