Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-9.5

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, September 18, 2024

Rule 645-9.5 - Issuance of investigatory subpoenas

(1) The board administrator or designee may, upon the written request of a board investigator or on the administrator's own initiative, subpoena books, papers, records, and other real evidence that is necessary for the board to decide whether to institute a contested case proceeding. In the case of a subpoena for mental health records, each of the following conditions shall be satisfied prior to the issuance of the subpoena:

a. The nature of the complaint reasonably justifies the issuance of a subpoena;

b. Adequate safeguards have been established to prevent unauthorized disclosure;

c. An express statutory mandate, articulated public policy, or other recognizable public interest favors access; and

d. An attempt was made to notify the patient and to secure an authorization from the patient for release of the records at issue.

(2) Each subpoena will contain:

a. The name and address of the person to whom the subpoena is directed;

b. A description of the books, papers, records or other real evidence requested;

c. The date, time and location for production, or inspection and copying;

d. The deadline for a motion to quash or modify the subpoena to be filed;

e. The signature, address and telephone number of the board administrator or designee;

f. The date of issuance;

g. A return of service.

(3) A person can challenge the subpoena by filing a motion to quash describing the legal justification for the motion accompanied by a legal brief or factual affidavits, within 14 days after service of the subpoena.

(4) Upon receipt of a timely motion to quash or modify a subpoena, an administrative law judge will issue a decision. The administrative law judge may quash or modify the subpoena, deny the motion, or issue an appropriate protective order.

(5) A person aggrieved by a ruling of an administrative law judge who desires to challenge that ruling must appeal the ruling to the board by serving on the board administrator, either in person, via email, or by certified mail, a notice of appeal within ten days after service of the decision of the administrative law judge.

(6) If the person contesting the subpoena is not the person under investigation, the board's decision is final for purposes of judicial review. If the person contesting the subpoena is the person under investigation, the board's decision is not final for purposes of judicial review until either (1) the person is notified the investigation has been concluded with no formal action, or (2) there is a final decision in the contested case.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-9.5

Amended by IAB June 26, 2024/Volume XLVI, Number 27, effective 7/31/2024