(a) The board shall have the authority to investigate and evaluate each and every applicant applying for a license to practice acupuncture and to make the final determination of the admission of the applicant to the examination, or for the issuance of a license, in conformance with the provisions of this chapter.
(b) The board shall investigate and evaluate each school or college applying for approval under Section 4939 and may utilize and contract with consultants to evaluate those training programs. This subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2017.
(c) The board may delegate to the executive officer or other official of the board its authority under this section in routine matters.