Iowa Code Title XIII. Commerce [Chs. 505-554D] § 542.11. Investigations and hearings

1. The board may initiate proceedings under this chapter upon written complaint or on its own motion pursuant to other information received by the board suggesting violations of this chapter or board rules. The board may conduct an investigation as needed to determine whether probable cause exists to initiate such proceedings. In aid of such investigation, the board may issue subpoenas to compel witnesses to testify or persons to produce evidence consistent with the provisions of section 272C.6, subsection 3. The board may also review the publicly available public accounting work product of licensees on a general or random basis to determine whether reasonable grounds exist to initiate proceedings under this chapter or to conduct a more specific investigation.

2. A written notice stating the nature of the charge or charges against the accused and the time and place of the hearing before the board on the charges shall be served on the accused not less than thirty days prior to the date of hearing either personally or by mailing a copy by restricted certified mail to the last known address of the accused.

3. At any hearing, the accused may appear in person or by counsel, produce evidence and witnesses on behalf of the accused, cross-examine witnesses, and examine evidence which is produced against the accused. A firm may appear by a partner, officer, director, shareholder, member, or manager.

4. The board may issue subpoenas in any proceeding to compel witnesses to testify and to produce documentary evidence on behalf of the board and shall issue such subpoenas upon the application of the accused, pursuant to section 17A.13, subsection 1, and section 272C.6, subsection 3.

5. Evidence supporting the board's charges may be presented at any hearing by an assistant attorney general.

6. The decision of the board shall be by a majority vote of a quorum of the board. Licensee discipline shall only be imposed upon the majority vote of the members of the board not disqualified pursuant to section 17A.17, subsection 8, or other applicable law.

7. Judicial review may be sought in accordance with chapter 17A.