159.5. (a) (1) There is in the department the Division of Investigation. The division is in the charge of a person with the title of chief of the division.
(2) Except as provided in Section 160, investigators who have the authority of peace officers, as specified in subdivision (a) of Section 160 and in subdivision (a) of Section 830.3 of the Penal Code, shall be in the division and shall be appointed by the director.
(b) (1) There is in the Division of Investigation the Health Quality Investigation Unit. The primary responsibility of the unit is to investigate violations of law or regulation within the jurisdiction of the Medical Board of California, the Podiatric Medical Board of California, the Board of Psychology, the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, the Physician Assistant Board, or any entities under the jurisdiction of the Medical Board of California.
(2) The Medical Board of California shall not be charged an hourly rate for the performance of investigations by the unit.
(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 351, Sec. 44. (AB 496) Effective January 1, 2020.)