Opn. No.

HON. EWALD B. NYQUIST Commissioner of Education

This is in reply to your request for my opinion as to the liability for damages of certain experts used in the preparation and presentation of professional disciplinary cases and, particularly, their status under section 17 of the Public Officers Law. You also inquire concerning liability of complainants in such cases.

You advise that, in conducting investigations and disciplinary proceedings relating to alleged unprofessional conduct on the part of licensed professionals, your Department has attempted to use outside experts in the preparation and…