(a) After a petition alleging dependency has been filed, the juvenile court may direct that a study and report to the juvenile court be made by the Department of Human Resources with recommendations concerning the child, his or her family, his or her environment, and other matters relevant to the need for treatment or disposition of the case.
(b) Where there are indications that the child may be physically ill or a child with mental illness or an intellectual disability, on its own motion or motion of a party, may order the child to be examined at a suitable place by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified examiner under the supervision of a physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist who shall certify the findings of the examiner in writing prior to a hearing on the merits of the petition.