§ (" .— (1) The registration authority may refer a care worker to the Secretary of State if—
- (a) on the basis of evidence obtained by it in the exercise of its functions under Part II of this Act, the authority considers that the worker has been guilty of misconduct (whether or not in the course of his employment) which harmed or placed at risk of harm a vulnerable adult; and
- (b) the worker has not been referred to the Secretary of State under section 71 or 72 in respect of the misconduct.
§ (2) Section 71(4) to (7) shall apply in relation to a reference made by the registration authority under subsection (1) as it applies in relation to a reference made by a person under section 71(1).
§ (3) The reference in subsection (1) to misconduct is to misconduct which occurred after the commencement of this section.")
§ 153 After Clause 72, insert the following new clause—