§34-15C-5. Powers and duties of board.

The board shall perform the following duties, subject to the other provisions of this chapter:

(1) Administer fully this chapter and any rules promulgated by the board pursuant to this chapter.

(2) Prescribe, make, adopt, and amend such rules pursuant to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act as the board deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(3) For the purpose of enforcing this chapter, conduct investigations and hearings concerning charges against registered interior designers, at any time or place within the state, administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses, and receive evidence in the course of any such hearings.

(4) Issue, in conjunction with the Secretary of State, any documentation necessary to prove that a registered interior designer is practicing in accordance with and abiding by the requirements of this chapter, for which an annual fee, in an amount determined by the board, shall be assessed and collected.

(5) Institute legal proceedings pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 34-15C-12.

(6) Grant, deny, revoke, suspend, or reinstate certificates of registration.

(7) Keep a record of its proceedings and make an annual report thereon to the Governor and the Legislature.

(8) Establish standards and requirements of continuing education for registered interior designers.

(9) Maintain an official roster of registered interior designers including, but not limited to, information required by the board for enforcement of this chapter.

(10) When necessary, require the attendance of witnesses and the production of all necessary papers, books, records, documentary evidence, and materials in any hearing, investigation, or other proceeding before the board, by means of discovery as provided in the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure.

(11) Employ attorneys, accountants, and other persons as may be necessary to assist the board in carrying out this chapter when there is a need for such services and when funds are available for such services.

(12) Adopt rules providing for a registered interior designer to be classified as inactive and to avoid the payment of annual fees, so long as the inactive registered interior designer does not use the titles, stamps, or seals restricted by subsection (a) or subsection (b) of Section 34-15C-9 during inactive status.

(13) Establish, by administrative rule, procedures for the assessment of fees for the administration of this chapter.

(Act 2010-706, p. 1715, §2(b).)