Which statement best describes the Board's subpoena power?

Which statement best describes the Board's subpoena power?

• A. It can issue subpoenas only with a court order
• B. It cannot issue subpoenas
• C. The Board can issue subpoena duces tecum to require witnesses to attend hearings
• D. Subpoenas are limited to criminal cases

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is that regulatory boards have inherent subpoena power to compel attendance and the production of documents for hearings. A subpoena duces tecum is a type of subpoena that commands a person to bring specific documents or records to a proceeding; in board hearings, this can also require the witness to appear to provide those records. This authority helps the board gather necessary evidence and ensures witnesses and documents are available, which is essential for a fair and efficient administrative process. The other statements aren’t accurate because boards typically have this power without needing a separate court order, they do have subpoena authority, and subpoenas in administrative or civil proceedings are not limited to criminal cases.

The idea being tested is that regulatory boards have inherent subpoena power to compel attendance and the production of documents for hearings. A subpoena duces tecum is a type of subpoena that commands a person to bring specific documents or records to a proceeding; in board hearings, this can also require the witness to appear to provide those records. This authority helps the board gather necessary evidence and ensures witnesses and documents are available, which is essential for a fair and efficient administrative process. The other statements aren’t accurate because boards typically have this power without needing a separate court order, they do have subpoena authority, and subpoenas in administrative or civil proceedings are not limited to criminal cases.