18.—(1) A decision of the Panel may be taken by a majority and the decision must record whether it was unanimous or taken by a majority.
(2) Where the Panel is constituted by two members, the Chair shall have a second vote.
(3) A decision of the Panel may be given at the end of the hearing or within 21 days of the hearing.
(4) Whether there has been a hearing at which the parties have attended or not, the decision must–
(a)be recorded as soon as possible in a decision document which must also contain a statement of the reasons in full form for the decision; and
(b)be signed by the Chair and dated.
(5) The Secretary must send a copy of the decision to each party to the appeal together with a notice explaining the rights of the parties to appeal the decision of the Panel to the Court of Session under section 78 of the Act.
(6) Except where a decision is announced at the end of the hearing, it shall be treated as having been made on the date on which the Chair signs the decision.
(7) The Panel may direct that particulars of a decision relating to–
(a)evidence heard before the Panel in private;
(b)evidence which refers to intimate personal or financial circumstances;
(c)evidence which is considered to be commercially sensitive;
(d)evidence which consists of confidential communication; or
(e)any other matter as the Panel considers appropriate for the protection of parties;
must be excluded from publication in terms of rule 19 and from inspection in the register in terms of rule 20.