(A) If the director has reason to believe that a person has violated a provision of this article or a regulation promulgated under this article or the licensing act or regulation of a board or that a licensee has become unfit to practice the profession or occupation or if a person files a written complaint with the board or the director charging a person with the violation of a provision of this article or a regulation promulgated under this article, the director may initiate an investigation.
(B) In conducting the investigation, the director may subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any matter which is relevant to the investigation including, but not limited to, the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of books, documents, or other tangible items and the identity and location of persons having knowledge of relevant facts or any other matter reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of material evidence. Upon failure to obey a subpoena or to answer questions propounded by the director, the director may apply to an administrative law judge for an order requiring the person to comply.
HISTORY: 1996 Act No. 453, Section 2.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 40 - Professions and Occupations
Chapter 1 - Professions And Occupations
Section 40-1-10. Extent of regulation.
Section 40-1-30. Authorization to practice.
Section 40-1-40. Purpose of division; domain.
Section 40-1-45. Public and consumer members of boards and panels.
Section 40-1-60. Officers of boards; meetings.
Section 40-1-70. Powers and duties of boards.
Section 40-1-75, 40-1-77. Repealed by 2013 Act No. 45, Section 4, eff June 7, 2013.
Section 40-1-80. Investigations.
Section 40-1-90. Disciplinary action proceedings.
Section 40-1-100. Equitable relief; immunity.
Section 40-1-110. Additional grounds for disciplinary action.
Section 40-1-115. Term of board jurisdiction.
Section 40-1-130. Board's authority to sanction.
Section 40-1-140. Effect of prior criminal convictions.
Section 40-1-150. Voluntary surrender of authorization to practice.
Section 40-1-170. Costs of investigation and prosecution.
Section 40-1-180. Failure to pay costs or fines; remittance of funds collected.
Section 40-1-190. Privileged communications.
Section 40-1-200. Unlawful practice.
Section 40-1-210. Civil proceedings before Administrative Law Court.
Section 40-1-220. Severability.
Section 40-1-610. Continuing education exemption.
Section 40-1-620. License fee exemption.
Section 40-1-630. Temporary professional licenses; application.