(1)In this Part, a “public health investigation” means an investigation into the cause (or causes) of a public health incident.
(2)A public health investigation may be carried out by a person appointed for the purpose by—
(a)the Scottish Ministers;
(b)a health board competent person;
(c)the common services agency;
[F1(ca)Public Health Scotland;]
(d)a local authority competent person;
(e)two or more of the persons mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d) acting together,
and, in this Part, that person is known as an “investigator”.
(3)Despite subsection (2)(b) and (d), a health board competent person or a local authority competent person may be appointed as an investigator.
(4)If an investigator considers it necessary for the purpose of, or in connection with, a public health investigation, the investigator may, subject to section 25(1), exercise—
(a)the powers relating to entry to premises mentioned in section 22;
(b)the other investigatory powers mentioned in section 23; and
(c)the power to ask questions mentioned in section 24.
Textual Amendments
F1S. 21(2)(ca) inserted (1.4.2020) by The Public Health Scotland Order 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/336), art. 1(3)(b), sch. 2 para. 6(4) (with art. 4(4)(5))
Commencement Information
I1S. 21 in force at 1.10.2009 by S.S.I. 2009/319, art. 2(a), Sch. 1