The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
"Action" means a civil action commenced in a court of any State or a Federal court.
"Responsive pleading" means any pleading other than a complaint recognized by the rules governing a civil action alleging medical malpractice commenced in any state or by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, as applicable, wherein statements in the nature of answers or replies to allegations made against the party filing the pleading are contained.
N.J. Admin. Code § 11:27-5.2