2006 Code of Virginia § 54.1-2925 - Use of experts in disciplinary proceedings

54.1-2925. Use of experts in disciplinary proceedings.

In any disciplinary proceeding conducted pursuant to this chapter, theexecutive director may contract with an expert or a panel of experts in thevarious specialties to provide assistance in investigating and evaluatingpractitioners who may be subject to punitive action. The executive directormay select experts for this purpose from lists of specialists to be providedand regularly updated by the appropriate professional societies. Any contractbetween the executive director and any consulting expert shall provide thatthe consulting expert shall: (i) be available to work with an investigatorfrom the beginning of the investigation; (ii) receive appropriatecompensation for his services; (iii) review and evaluate a completedinvestigation report in accordance with guidelines established by the Boardand the Office of the Attorney General and return it to the Board for actionwithin a specified period of time; and (iv) be available to testify for theBoard in any administrative or court proceeding arising from theinvestigations in which he has participated.

Any expert assisting in any investigation voluntarily or under the contractarrangements described in this section shall be immune from any civilliability or criminal prosecution resulting therefrom unless he acted in badfaith or with malicious intent.

(1986, c. 434, 54-318.4; 1988, c. 765; 1996, c. 519.)