1. (A) Investigations must be conducted in accordance with Section 40-1-80.
2. (B) A restraining order must be obtained in accordance with Section 40-1-100.

3. (C)

   1. (1) Whenever the department has reason to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred, an investigation must be initiated within thirty days.
   2. (2) A hearing on the charges must be at the time and place designated by the commission and must be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.
   3. (3) The commission shall render a decision and shall serve, within ninety days, notice, in writing, of the commission's decision to the licensee charged. The commission also shall state in the notice the date upon which the ruling or decision becomes effective.
   4. (4) The department shall maintain a public docket or other permanent record in which must be recorded all orders, consent orders, or stipulated settlements.
4. (D) A licensee may voluntarily surrender his license in accordance with Section 40-1-150.

5. (E)

   1. (1) The commission may impose disciplinary action in accordance with Section 40-1-120.
   2. (2) Upon determination by the commission that one or more of the grounds for discipline exists, as provided for in Section 40-1-110 or Section 40-57-140, the commission may impose a fine of not less than one hundred or more than one thousand dollars for each violation. The commission may recover the costs of the investigation and the prosecution as provided for in Section 40-1-170.
   3. (3) Nothing in this section prevents a licensee from voluntarily entering into a consent order with the commission wherein violations are not contested and sanctions are accepted.

HISTORY: 1997 Act No. 24, Section 1; 2004 Act No. 218, Sections 22 and 23.