Directing reviews of final orders

When the Committee imposes conditions of practice or suspension orders, it will need to decide whether a review is necessary. Where no review is ordered, the order will expire at the end of its period.

Conditions of practice orders are usually imposed to protect the public from a risk to people using services and are intended for the professional to strengthen their practice. As such it is unlikely that the order should be allowed to expire without review by the Committee, as they will need to decide if an order is still necessary. Similarly, if a suspension is imposed to allow the professional to develop their insight and strengthen their practice, a review will be necessary to determine whether they have addressed the concern.

Sometimes a finding of impairment is made to promote and maintain public confidence in the professions or proper professional standards and conduct, even if the professional does not present a current risk to people using services. In these cases the Committee may conclude that a review would serve no purpose. However, the Committee should always consider whether a review should be directed to allow the professional the opportunity to demonstrate that they have developed insight into the circumstances that led to the finding of impairment and suspension. A review may also be required to ensure the professional has kept their skills up to date so that the panel can be satisfied that they can safely return to practice.

The Committee should always give separate reasons for their decision whether or not to direct a review of the final order.