General introduction
- The overriding objective of the MPTS is to have processes and procedures that support medical practitioners tribunals (MPTs) and interim orders tribunals (IOTs) to deal with cases fairly and justly. This takes priority over the over-arching objective1 which is the legal duty to protect the public. More information about this, and what each of the three parts to protect the public mean, can be found in the Introduction section to this guidance.
- The purpose of this section of the guidance is to explain the procedural matters that relate to MPTS hearings and give guidance to tribunals on how to exercise their discretion in respect of those matters, where appropriate.
- Part A relates to procedural matters that arise at the pre-hearing stage and Part B gives guidance on procedural matters that arise during hearings.