(a) Application for appointment of independent counsel.--The special investigative counsel shall apply to the panel for the appointment of an independent counsel if the special investigative counsel, upon completion of a preliminary investigation under this chapter, determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that further investigation is warranted.

(a.1) Review by panel.--The panel shall review and consider appointing independent counsel if the 90-day period referred to in section 9513(a) (relating to conduct of preliminary investigation) and any extension granted under section 9513(c) have elapsed and the special investigative counsel has not filed a notification with the panel under section 9514(a) (relating to determination that further investigation not warranted).

(b) Receipt of additional information.--If, after submitting a notification under section 9514(a), the special investigative counsel receives additional information sufficient to constitute grounds to investigate the matters to which the notification related, the special investigative counsel shall:

(1) Conduct an additional preliminary investigation as the special investigative counsel considers appropriate for a period of no more than 90 days after the date on which the additional information is received.

(2) Otherwise comply with the provisions of this subchapter with respect to the additional preliminary investigation to the same extent as any other preliminary investigation under this chapter.

Cross References. Section 9515 is referred to in section 9513 of this title.