The doctrine suspends the limitations period during a continuing course of treatment for the same condition, on the rationale that a patient should not be required to sue a provider still treating them.
It requires continuity of the specific condition.
Alternative Names:
Continuous Treatment, Continuing Treatment Rule
Why it Matters?
Continuity of the same condition is what limits the doctrine, since routine follow-up or treatment of unrelated conditions does not extend the period. Establishing when treatment for the specific condition actually ended is the analysis, and a final visit addressing something else does not restart or extend it. The doctrine parallels the continuous representation rule in legal malpractice.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
What limits the doctrine?
What is the parallel doctrine?
