Hearing/Health Panel – Accessibility and support for virtual or hybrid hearings

a. This section sets out additional considerations for the arrangement and conduct of virtual or hybrid hearings.

b. At least 14 calendar days before the hearing, the Complaints and Resolution Manager will liaise with the Complainant, the Member, panel members, witnesses, and other participants to ensure that they have sufficient access to, and understanding of, the technology and environment necessary to participate effectively in a virtual or hybrid hearing. This may include, but is not limited to, providing practical technological support at no cost to the participant.

c. If the Complaints and Resolution Manager identifies that any participant is not able to take part effectively in a virtual or hybrid hearing, they must inform the Panel as soon as possible so that the decision on the form of the hearing can be reviewed.

d. The Complaints and Resolution Manager will notify participants of the process for joining the virtual or hybrid hearing at least 7 calendar days before the date of the hearing.

e. All virtual and hybrid Panels will be recorded for the purposes of maintaining an accurate internal record of proceedings. The recording is not intended for distribution to any party or for public release. The Complaints and Resolution Manager will ensure that the hearing is recorded, and that the recording is stored in accordance with section 39.

f. All participants and attendees must agree not to record, publish, or otherwise share any part of the hearing. Any person who does not agree will not be permitted to attend the hearing. Any person who is found to have breached this requirement during the hearing may be excluded from the hearing by the Panel.

g. A virtual or hybrid hearing will proceed in the same manner as a physical hearing.