After section 2.6.45 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 insert —
If, before the end of a formal hearing the panel is of the opinion that the teacher's ability to practise as a teacher is seriously detrimentally affected or likely to be seriously detrimentally affected because of an impairment, the panel may adjourn the hearing and refer the matter to a medical panel hearing to make findings about the teacher's ability to practise as a teacher.".