(1) The State Board of Medical Licensure is hereby empowered, authorized and directed to adopt, amend, promulgate and enforce such rules, regulations and standards governing the practice of acupuncture as may be necessary to further the accomplishment of the purpose of this chapter, and in so doing shall utilize as the basis thereof the corresponding recommendations of the advisory council.

(2) The board’s authority and responsibility include the following:

(a) Grant, deny, renew, restrict, suspend or revoke licenses to practice acupuncture in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or other applicable state law;

(b) Examine by established protocol the qualifications and fitness of applicants for a license to practice acupuncture in this state;

(c) Conduct investigations of suspected violations of this chapter to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to initiate disciplinary proceedings;

(d) Inspect premises and equipment, on a triennial basis and assess an inspection fee in the amount of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per inspection and an additional fee of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for each licensed acupuncturist employed by the inspected establishment;

(e) Hold hearings on all matters properly brought before the board, to administer oaths, receive evidence, make necessary determinations and enter orders consistent with the findings. The board may require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of papers, records or other documentary evidence and commission depositions. The board may designate one or more of its members to serve as its hearing officer. The board shall adopt rules and regulations for hearings before the board and the rules shall afford any person appearing before the board the safeguards of procedural due process. Formal rules of evidence shall not apply;

(f) Contract with independent consultants or other appropriate agencies to administer examinations for licensure, according to the provisions of this chapter, and establish a fee for such examination not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00);

(g) Establish and publish a schedule of fees for annual licensing, certification and renewal not to exceed Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00) annually; and

(h) Keep and maintain accurate records of all board business in accordance with state law.

The powers enumerated in this section are granted for the purpose of enabling the board to supervise effectively the practice of acupuncture and are to be construed liberally to accomplish this objective.