s 42 Commencement of inquiry by Complaints Committee
42.—(1) A Complaints Committee must, within 2 weeks of its appointment, commence its inquiry into any complaint or information, or any information or evidence mentioned in section 44(5), and complete its inquiry not later than 3 months after the date the complaint or information is laid before the Complaints Committee. (2) Where a Complaints Committee is of the opinion that it will not be able to complete its inquiry within the period specified in subsection (1) due to the complexity of the matter or serious difficulties encountered by the Complaints Committee in conducting its inquiry, the Complaints Committee may apply in writing to the Chairperson of the Complaints Panel for an extension of time to complete its inquiry and the Chairperson may grant such extension of time to the Complaints Committee as he or she thinks fit. (3) For the purposes of an inquiry, a Complaints Committee may appoint one or more investigators in accordance with section 69 to investigate the complaint or information, and the investigator may exercise any one or more of the powers under that section in carrying out his or her functions and duties under this Part. (4) A Complaints Committee must —(a) if it is unanimously of the opinion that the complaint or information is frivolous, vexatious, misconceived or lacking in substance — make an order under section 49(1)(i); (b) if it is unanimously of the opinion that no investigation is necessary —(i) issue a letter of advice to the registered allied health professional; or (ii) refer the matter for mediation between the registered allied health professional and the complainant; or (c) in any other case — direct one or more investigators to carry out an investigation and make a report to it under section 48.