(1) In determining an application, the Council—
(a) may investigate the applicant;
(b) may, by notice given to the applicant, require the applicant to give the Council, within a reasonable time of at least 30 days as stated in the notice, further information or a document which the Council may reasonably require to consider the application; and
(c) may, by notice given to the applicant, require the applicant to undergo a written, practical or oral examination within a reasonable time of at least 30 days as stated in the notice, and at a reasonable place to determine the applicant's ability to practice medicine or dentistry in Saint Lucia competently and safely;
(d) shall have regard to—
(i) the applicant's ability to communicate effectively, and
(ii) any other issue which the Council may deem relevant to the applicant's ability to practice medicine or dentistry in Saint Lucia competently and safely, and
(e) may have regard to the advice and recommendations of any university or other institution which offers training in general medicine or general dentistry or in an area of specialty in medicine or dentistry.
(2) The Council may require the information or document required under subsection (1)(b) to be verified by a statutory declaration.
(3) An applicant is taken to have withdrawn an application if, within the stated time, the applicant—
(a) does not comply with a requirement under subsection (1)(b);
(b) does not undergo an examination under subsection (1)(c).
(4) Where the Council is satisfied that an applicant is entitled to be registered as a General Practitioner, Specialist Practitioner or a Temporary Practitioner as the case may be, the Council shall register the applicant and may do so subject to such conditions under the provisions of this Act or other conditions which the Council considers necessary or desirable to enable the applicant to practice medicine or dentistry in Saint Lucia competently and safely and shall give notice in writing to the applicant of the conditions.
(5) Where the Council is not satisfied that the applicant is entitled to be a registered General Practitioner, Specialist Practitioner or a Temporary Practitioner, as the case may be, it shall refuse to register the applicant.
(6) The Council shall, as soon as is practicable after it makes a decision to refuse to register an applicant, give notice in writing to the applicant of the refusal to register, the reasons for refusal and the applicant's right to appeal under this Act.
(7) If the Council decides to register an applicant subject to conditions as stated in subsection (4), it shall decide the review period applying to the conditions and give the applicant notice in writing with respect to the review period.