§9-5-8a. Authority to subpoena witnesses and documents when investigating the provision of medical assistance programs.
The commissioner and every duly appointed hearing examiner shall have the power to apply, on behalf of any party, to the circuit court of the county in which the hearing is to be held, or the circuit court in which the subpoena or subpoena duces tecum is to be served, or the judge of either such court in vacation, for the issuance of a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of documents, before any hearing or administrative tribunal convened to consider suspension or termination of any person or corporation from providing services under the medical assistance programs administered by the department of welfare. The application for a subpoena duces tecum shall state with particularity any papers or documents requested and upon hearing, the applicant or party shall notify the court or judge, as the case may be, of the necessity therefor in such hearing. The court or judge thereof, prior to issuing the requested subpoena or subpoena duces tecum, may make any order which justice requires to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression or undue burden or expense. The party who applies for the subpoena or subpoena duces tecum shall pay the sheriff's fees required for service of these documents.