(a) The board or its agents, on its own motion or in response to a written complaint, may investigate known or suspected violations of this article and may issue subpoenas.
(b) In addition to the powers granted under this article, the board or its agents are further authorized to conduct any investigations pursuant to its authority in Section 34-24-361, including, but not limited to, the conducting of formal interviews with a physician, the filing of a written administrative complaint and the request for the temporary emergency suspension of the license of a physician by the Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama.