52Expert assistance

52 Expert assistance (1) The Commissioner, when carrying out an investigation, may obtain a report from a person (including a registered provider) who, in the opinion of the Commissioner, is sufficiently qualified or experienced to give expert advice on the matter being investigated. (2) The Commissioner must not obtain a report from a person who has a financial or personal connection with a person who is the subject of an investigation or who has any other connection with the person that may affect the impartiality of the report. (3) A person who gives a report under this section must include in it, or annex to it, a statement in the prescribed form. (4) A report given under this section may be used in disciplinary or related proceedings before a Board. (5) A report given under this section may be admitted or used in other proceedings with the consent of the person giving the report, the complainant and the provider against whom the complaint is made.

Health and Community Services Complaints Act 1998 30 (6) A person who gives a report under this section cannot be compelled to give evidence in relation to the report, or its contents, in proceedings mentioned in subsection (5).