An interim order hearing is where a panel decides whether or not it is appropriate or necessary for restrictions to be placed on your ability to practise, based on the limited amount of evidence and information that your regulator has collected so far.
Interim order hearings can happen at any stage between the concern being raised and the case being finally heard by a panel.
The key question that an interim order panel will need to consider is whether they think there might be a risk to patients or the public. If so, then they decide how best they can mitigate that risk. In serious cases it might be necessary for a registrant to be suspended for a period of time, meaning that they are not allowed to practise. Alternatively, there might be conditions imposed, so that you can practise, but need to complete additional training or be closely supervised. Any conditions should be practicable – so that you can continue to work, but in reality, it will depend on your profession and your role as to how easy it is for you to find an alternative role with the same employer or in another setting.
In many cases a registrant will have been reported to their regulator following the conclusion of an internal investigation by their employer, sometimes meaning that they have been dismissed. This brings an added complication as when you are looking for a new role you will need to disclose the fitness to practise proceedings and conditions that have been imposed.
If conditions are imposed then you will be formally notified. Make sure that you follow the conditions and ask your employer to ensure that the conditions are adhered to, otherwise this can become a separate concern and added to the case being made against you.