Interim orders after a sanction is imposed

When the panel announces its decision on a sanction, any interim order that has been in place up to that point will lapse.

Sanctions cannot take effect until the end of the appeal period, that is 28 days after the date on which the decision letter is served, or, if an appeal has been lodged, before the appeal has been finally determined.

The Fitness to Practise Committee has the power to impose an interim order for up to 18 months to cover this period. The decision to make an order after a sanction has been passed involves discretion and careful consideration. It is not an automatic decision in every case.

Whenever it makes a conditions of practice order, suspension order or striking-off order, the Committee will consider whether or not to impose an interim order.