The Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1998

Medical examination required by the Department

19.—(1) Before making a decision on a claim for a relevant benefit, or as to a person’s entitlement to such a benefit or to statutory sick pay or statutory maternity pay, the Department may refer the person—

(a) in respect of whom the claim is made; or

(b) whose entitlement is at issue,

to a medical practitioner for such examination and report as appears to the Department to be necessary for the purpose of providing it with information for use in making the decision.

(2) Paragraph (3) applies where—

(a) the Department has exercised the power conferred on it by paragraph (1); and

(b) the medical practitioner requests the person referred to him to attend for or submit himself to medical examination.

(3) If the person fails without good cause to comply with the request, the Department shall make the decision against him.