(1) (a) (I) Whenever a county department receives an application for public assistance, it shall promptly make a record concerning the circumstances of the applicant to verify the facts supporting the application and shall examine all pertinent records and shall make a diligent effort to examine all records prior to granting assistance. The records include the following:

(A) Records of the division of unemployment insurance, including unemployment compensation records;

(B) School attendance records;

(C) Vital statistics records;

(D) Records of the department of revenue.

(II) The county department shall also verify such other information as may be required by the rules and regulations of the state department.

(b) If such information is reasonably available, the verification shall be completed prior to approval of any assistance or for continuation of assistance. The provisions of this paragraph (b) shall not apply to those persons receiving old age pensions, aid to the needy disabled, or aid to the blind during the period for which such assistance is continued.

(c) Within ten working days after a discrepancy relating to a fraudulent or suspected fraudulent act affecting eligibility is discovered, it shall be referred to the appropriate investigatory agency for investigation. The investigatory agency shall take action within thirty days following receipt of the information from the county department.

(2) The county department, the state department, and the officers and authorized employees of each may conduct visits to the home of the applicant at reasonable times, make investigations and require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, records, and papers by subpoena, and make application to the district court to compel and enforce such attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of such books, records, and papers. Officers and employees designated by the county department or the state department may administer oaths and affirmations.