22 NYCRR 1240.17

(a) Time of application. A respondent suspended on incapacity grounds pursuant to section 1240.14 of these Rules may apply for reinstatement at such time as the respondent is no longer incapacitated from practicing law.

(b) Necessary papers. Papers on an application for reinstatement following suspension on incapacity grounds shall include a copy of the order of suspension, and any related decision; proof, in evidentiary form, of a declaration of competency or of the respondent's capacity to practice law; a completed affidavit in a form approved by the Court; a copy of a letter to The Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection notifying the Fund that the application has been filed; and such other proofs as the Court may require. A copy of the complete application shall be served upon the Committee.

(c) Such application shall be granted by the Court upon showing by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent's disability or incapacity has been removed and the respondent is fit to resume the practice of law. Upon such application, the Court may take or direct such action as it deems necessary or proper for a determination as to whether the respondent's disability or incapacity has been removed, including a direction of an examination of the respondent by such qualified experts as the Court shall designate. In its discretion, the Court may direct that the expense of such an examination shall be paid by the respondent. In a proceeding under this section, the burden of proof shall rest with the suspended respondent.

(d) Where a respondent has been suspended by an order in accordance with the provisions of section 1240.14 of these Rules and thereafter, in proceedings duly taken, the respondent has been judicially declared to be competent, the Court may dispense with further evidence that the respondent's disability or incapacity has been removed and may direct the respondent's reinstatement upon such terms as are deemed proper and advisable.

(e) Waiver of Doctor-Patient Privilege Upon Application for Reinstatement. The filing of an application for reinstatement by a respondent suspended for incapacity shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of any doctor-patient privilege existing between the respondent and any psychiatrist, psychologist, physician, hospital or facility who or which has examined or treated the respondent during the period of disability. The respondent shall be required to disclose the name of every psychiatrist, psychologist, physician, hospital or facility by whom or at which the respondent has been examined or treated since the respondent's suspension, and the respondent shall furnish to the Court written consent to each to divulge such information and records as may be requested by court-appointed experts or by the Clerk of the Court.