(a) Subsection (b)(1) does not apply to:

1. (1) a complaint filed by:

   1. (A) a member of any of the entities described in IC 25-0.5-8 ; or
   2. (B) the Indiana professional licensing agency; or
2. (2) a complaint filed under IC 25-1-5-4 .

(b) Except as provided in section 3(b), 3(c), or 3(d) of this chapter, the director has the following duties and powers:

1. (1) The director shall make an initial determination as to the merit of each complaint. A copy of a complaint having merit shall be submitted to the board having jurisdiction over the licensee's regulated occupation, that board thereby acquiring jurisdiction over the matter except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
2. (2) The director shall through any reasonable means notify the licensee of the nature and ramifications of the complaint and of the duty of the board to attempt to resolve the complaint through negotiation.
3. (3) The director shall report any pertinent information regarding the status of the complaint to the complainant.
4. (4) The director may investigate any written complaint against a licensee. The investigation shall be limited to those areas in which there appears to be a violation of statutes governing the regulated occupation.

5. (5) The director has the power to subpoena witnesses and to send for and compel the production of books, records, papers, and documents for the furtherance of any investigation under this chapter. The circuit or superior court located in the county where the subpoena is to be issued shall enforce any such subpoena by the director.

   As added by Acts 1981, P.L.222, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.22-1999, SEC.2; P.L.14-2000, SEC.55; P.L.206-2005, SEC.11; P.L.149-2011, SEC.2; P.L.226-2011, SEC.18; P.L.3-2014, SEC.22; P.L.227-2015, SEC.3; P.L.48-2022, SEC.15.