State Lawyers Assistance Committee Investigations(a) Within 30 days after notice has been given as provided in Article 19(f) of the Bar's Bylaws, the designee, either individually or with another designee, will meet with the referred lawyer to discuss the nature of the referral, SLAC's function, the general steps that will be taken, any questions that the referred lawyer may have about the process and the lawyer's explanation, opinion or questions about the referral.(b) The designee may require the referred lawyer to authorize the release of relevant medical or other background information regarding the referred lawyer to SLAC or to a professional selected to evaluate the referred lawyer. Medical or background information is relevant, if it relates to the referred lawyer's professional competence or ability to practice law. The referred lawyer may voluntarily provide additional information.(c) The designee may require the referred lawyer to obtain a medical or other diagnostic evaluation from a professional or a panel of professionals selected by SLAC. The scope of the medical or other diagnostic evaluation will be limited to issues related to the referred lawyer's professional competence or ability to practice law. The designee may inform the medical or other professional of the general nature of SLAC's concerns but will not disclose to the professional the identity of the referral source or any other confidential information. The lawyer must bear the expenses of the medical or other diagnostic evaluation, except that SLAC may advance the costs in cases of demonstrated financial hardship.Adopted effective 4/14/2023.