Hong Kong Regulations

CHIROPRACTORS (REGISTRATION AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE) RULES - SECT 26

Opening of inquiry

(1) At the opening of an inquiry, the Secretary shall read the
notice of a referral in respect of the inquiry or, if the notice is amended,
the notice of a referral as amended to the Inquiry Committee.

(2) If the respondent is not present and is not represented at the opening of
the inquiry, the Secretary shall furnish to the Inquiry  Committee such
evidence as the Inquiry Committee may require to prove that section 17(5) of
the Ordinance and, where applicable, section 23(2) has been complied with, and
on being satisfied as to such evidence, the Inquiry Committee may proceed with
the inquiry in the absence of the respondent and his legal representative.

(3) If the respondent or his legal representative is present at the opening of
the inquiry, the chairman of the Inquiry Committee shall, immediately after
the reading of the notice of a referral under subsection

(1), inform the respondent or his legal representative of the respondent's
right to cross-examine any witness for any other party to the inquiry, to give
evidence and to call his own witness.

(4) After an inquiry has been opened under this section, it may be proceeded
with to its conclusion notwithstanding the absence of the respondent and his
legal representative.