Section 61-28B-15 - Enforcement procedures; investigations. (Repealed effective July 1, 2012.)
61-28B-15. Enforcement procedures; investigations. (Repealed effective July 1, 2012.)
A. Upon receipt of a complaint or other information suggesting a violation of the 1999 Public Accountancy Act [61-28B-1 NMSA 1978], the board may conduct an investigation to determine whether there is probable cause to institute a proceeding against a person or firm. An investigation is not required when a determination of probable cause can be made without investigation. To aid the investigation, the board or the board's chairman may issue a subpoena to compel a witness to testify or to produce evidence.
B. The board may designate a person to serve as investigating officer to conduct an investigation. The investigating officer shall file a report with the board upon completion of an investigation. The board shall find probable cause or lack of probable cause upon the basis of the report or shall return the report to the investigating officer for further investigation.
C. Upon a finding of probable cause, if the subject of the investigation is a certificate or permit holder, the board shall direct that a notice of contemplated action be issued in accordance with the 1999 Public Accountancy Act. If the subject of the investigation is not a certificate or permit holder, the board shall take appropriate action as provided in that act. Upon a finding of no probable cause, the board shall close the matter.
D. The board may review the publicly available professional work of a certificate or permit holder without any requirement of a formal complaint or suspicion of impropriety on the part of a particular certificate or permit holder. In the event that such review reveals reasonable grounds for a more specific investigation, the board may proceed pursuant to the 1999 Public Accountancy Act.