(a) The committee may utilize one (1) or more screening panels in its investigative and disciplinary process to assure that complaints filed and investigations conducted are meritorious and to act as a mechanism for resolution of complaints or diversion to professional peer review organizations or impaired professionals’ associations or foundations of those cases that the board, through established guidelines, deems appropriate.
(b) The screening panel has the authority to administer oaths to witnesses.(c) Members of a screening panel may be drawn from the membership of the committee or may be appointed by the committee. Noncommittee members shall meet the requirements of membership on the committee and may include a consumer member. A committee member serving on a panel shall not participate in a contested case involving any matter heard by the panel.
