t they have insufficient information, or needs medical or legal advice, they should ask the agency to obtain the information/advice and the agency must comply with this request. 1.53. From 1 September 2012 the agency has been prohibited from referring to the adoption panel those cases where, if the decision-maker were to decide that the child should be placed for adoption, the agency would be required to apply for a placement order. The agency will refer those particular cases directly to the decision-maker. The decision-maker will continue to consider recommendations 27 from adoption panels in all other cases. The table in chapter 2 paragraph 64 sets out those cases that must be referred to the adoption panel for consideration and those which must be referred directly to the agency’s decision-maker for a decision. 1.54. Where AAR 17.2 applies the agency may not refer the child's case to the adoption panel. Where the decision-maker wishes to discuss such a case, the case cannot be referred informally to the adoption panel for advice due to the need to comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act concerning sensitive personal data. The decision-maker may discuss the case with the agency adviser, medical issues with the medical adviser and seek legal advice (see paragraphs 7, 31 and 56). 1.55. Where the decision-maker wishes to discuss any other case, for example because they are minded not to accept the recommendation of the adoption panel or independent review panel, they should speak to the agency adviser or medical adviser as applicable. The outcome of any discussion, as well as the decision itself and its reasons must be recorded on the child’s and/or prospective adopters’ case record, as applicable. 1.56. The decision-maker must make the decision within sev