Section 16: Establishment of the Nurses and Midwives Investigation Panel (as created by Section 11 of the Nursing and Midwifery (Registration, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2022).

(1) There is established the Nurses and Midwives Investigation Panel (in this Bill referred to as "the Panel"), which shall be charged with the duty of—
(a) conducting a preliminary investigation into any case where it is alleged that a registered person has committed misconduct in his capacity as a nurse or midwife, or should for any other reason be the subject of proceedings before the Tribunal;
(b) compelling any person by subpoena to give evidence before it;
(c) deciding, if satisfied that to do so is necessary for the protection of members of the public, to make an order for interim suspension from the profession in respect of the person whose case they have decided to refer for inquiry, and for the case to be given accelerated hearing by the Tribunal within three months; or
(d) deciding, if satisfied that to do so is necessary for the protection of members of the public or is in his interest, to make an order for interim conditional registration in respect of that person, and, an order that his registration shall be conditional on his compliance, during such period not exceeding three months or as the Panel may deem fit to impose for the protection of members of the public, or in his interest.
(2) The Panel shall be appointed by the Council and shall consist of seven members, at least four of whom shall be members of the profession.