Rule 20 Referral to Health Committee

If in the course of the investigation of and its deliberations on an allegation, the Committee is of the view that a substantial issue arises whether the ability of the respondent to practise as a chiropractor is seriously impaired because of his physical or mental condition, it may refer the matter to the Health Committee, and the Health Committee shall deal with the matter as if the allegation were to that effect.

The power under paragraph (1) may be exercised notwithstanding that a hearing under Part III has begun, provided that the Committee has not voted on its decision whether the allegation is well founded.

The Committee shall take no further action on the allegation if, following a reference under this Rule, the Health Committee finds that the ability of the respondent to practise as a chiropractor is seriously impaired because of his physical or mental condition (in which event the matter shall be finally disposed of by the Health Committee).

The Committee shall continue under Part III or Rule 17 (as the case may be) with its consideration of the allegation and dispose of it accordingly if, following a reference under this Rule, the Health Committee certifies its opinion to the Committee that the ability of the respondent to practise as a chiropractor is not seriously impaired because of his physical or mental condition.