![](http://www.acts.co.za/resources/images/filetype_pdf.png)
R 385
Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, 1982 (Act No. 19 of 1982)RulesRules relating to the disciplinary processes against the veterinary and para-veterinary professionsProcedure at Inquiries into Professional Conduct5. Powers and Functions of the Investigation Committee |
(1) | The Investigating Committee is a committee of Council and exercises its' powers and functions in terms of rule 40 of the Rules relating to the practicing of veterinary professions. |
(2) | The Committee is responsible for the evaluation of the evidentiary material and/or report(s) and is empowered to take the following decision(s): |
(a) | refer matters bock to the Administration to obtain further information; |
(b) | dismiss the matters as there ore no grounds to pursue the matter and/or there is insufficient evidence on which to base a decision; |
(c) | there is no basis for the complaint and where the Committee deems it fit to caution the respondent in terms of rule 40 (9); |
(d] | refer the complaint for mediation; and/or |
(e) | refer matters to Disciplinary Hearings. |
(3) | If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of the Investigation Committee's finding, the evidence at hand must be referred to the Council for a decision whether or not an inquiry into professional conduct should be held. The Council' s decision is final. The respondent must be notified of the referral to Council and be allowed to make any submissions they may wish to make, for council' s consideration. |
(4) | Excluding criminal acts and gross misconduct, investigations should center around the main complaint. |
(5) | If the main complaint is not substantiated, but a possible incidental/peripheral unprofessional conduct arises out of the main complaint, such possible incidental/peripheral unprofessional conduct must be referred to the respondent for him/her to provide on answer. |
(6) | If it appears to the Investigation Committee that on inquiry should be held into the conduct of a respondent, it must direct the Registrar to arrange for the holding of on inquiry into professional conduct. |
(7) | If it appears to the Investigation Committee that a complaint can be mediated, it may request the Registrar to arrange for a mediation. |
(8) | Should the mediation be unsuccessful, the matter must be referred to the Investigation Committee for its further consideration. |
(9) | Information provided by the respondent during a mediation, must be kept confidential. |