Singapore legislation
Clause 36
Clause 36
Proceedings of Complaints Committee
(1)
A Complaints Committee may meet from time to time for the purposes of its inquiry and may regulate its own procedure.
(2)
The chairman of a Complaints Committee may at any time summon a meeting of the Complaints Committee.
(3)
The chairman and all the members of a Complaints Committee shall be present to constitute a quorum for a meeting of the Complaints Committee.
(4)
Any resolution or decision in writing signed by the chairman and all the members of a Complaints Committee shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been made or reached at a meeting of the Complaints Committee where the chairman and all its members were present.
(5)
Any question arising at a meeting of the Complaints Committee shall be determined by a majority of votes and, in the case of an equality of votes, the chairman shall have a casting vote.
(6)
Where a Complaints Committee is of the opinion that a registered dentist should be called upon to answer any allegation made against him, the Complaints Committee shall serve on the registered dentist —
copies of any complaint or information and any statutory declaration or affidavit that have been made in support of the complaint or information; and
a notice inviting the registered dentist, within such period (not being less than 21 days) as may be specified in the notice, to give to the Complaints Committee any written explanation he may wish to offer.
(7)
The registered dentist concerned shall not have the right to be heard by the Complaints Committee, whether in person or by counsel, unless the Complaints Committee in its absolute discretion otherwise allows.
(8)
A Complaints Committee shall inquire into the complaint or information and complete its inquiry not later than 3 months from the date the complaint or information is laid before it.
(9)
Where a Complaints Committee is of the opinion that it will not be able to complete its inquiry within the period specified in subsection (8) due to the complexity of the matter or serious difficulties encountered by the Committee in conducting its inquiry, the Committee may apply in writing to the President of the Council for an extension of time to complete its inquiry and the President may grant such extension of time to the Committee as he thinks fit.
(10)
All information, including such book, document, paper or other records used by a Complaints Committee in the course of its deliberations, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed to any person including the registered dentist unless the Complaints Committee in its discretion decides otherwise.