1. The director shall examine and inquire into all violations of the insurance laws of the state, and inquire into and investigate the business of insurance transacted in this state by any insurance agent, broker, agency or insurance company.
2. He or any of his duly appointed agents may compel the attendance before him, and may examine, under oath, the directors, officers, agents, employees, solicitors, attorneys or any other person, in reference to the condition, affairs, management of the business, or any matters relating thereto. He may administer oaths or affirmations, and shall have power to summon and compel the attendance of witnesses, and to require and compel the production of records, books, papers, contracts or other documents, if necessary.
3. The director may make and conduct the investigation in person, or he may appoint one or more persons to make and conduct the same for him. If made by another than the director in person, the person duly appointed by the director shall have the same powers as above granted to the director. A certificate of appointment, under the official seal of the director, shall be sufficient authority and evidence thereof for the person or persons to act. For the purpose of making the investigations, or having the same made, the director may employ the necessary clerical, actuarial and other assistance.
4. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the confidentiality provisions of section 374.205, including subdivision (5) of subsection 3 of section 374.205, and subsection 4 of section 374.205, shall apply to all reports, working papers, recorded information, documents, and copies thereof, produced by, obtained by, or disclosed to the director or any other person in the course of any market conduct investigation or market conduct action.