(1) If, under section 274(5), the court has not referred a medical question to a Medical Panel, the court may—
(a) state a question to be answered by the court for the purposes of determining the factual issues referred to in section 274(5); and
(b) give directions for the hearing and determination of that question; and
(c) hear and determine the question and, by the answer to that question, make appropriate findings of fact.
(2) After answering a question referred to in subsection (1), the court may refer a medical question to a Medical Panel for an opinion.
(3) If, under subsection (2), the court refers a medical question to a Medical Panel, the court must provide the Medical Panel with—
(a) a copy of the question and the court's answer to the question; and
(b) any reasons published by the court in relation to the question; and
(c) any further documents the court considers appropriate.
(4) In forming an opinion on a medical question referred to a Medical Panel under subsection (2), the Medical Panel is bound by the answer to the question stated and answered by the court under subsection (1).