(a) The commission may request the department to conduct investigations to determine whether a person has violated a provision of this chapter or a regulation adopted under it, or to secure information useful in the administration of this chapter.

(b) If it appears to the department that a person has engaged in or is about to engage in an act or practice in violation of a provision of this chapter or a regulation adopted under it and that action is warranted in the public interest, the department shall notify all commission members by telephone or facsimile of a proposed order or action, and, if a majority of the members of the commission approve, the department may

(1) after reasonable notice of and an opportunity for a hearing is given to the person, issue an order directing the person to stop the act or practice; the department may issue a temporary order before a hearing is held; a temporary order remains in effect until a final order affirming, modifying, or reversing the temporary order is issued or until 15 days have elapsed after the person receives the notice and has not requested a hearing; a temporary order becomes final if the person to whom the notice is addressed does not request a hearing within 15 days after receiving the notice; if a hearing is requested, a hearing shall be conducted by a hearing officer within 30 days; the commission shall issue a final order within 10 days after the hearing;

(2) bring an action in superior court to enjoin the act or practice and to enforce compliance with this chapter, a regulation adopted under it, or an order issued under it;

(3) examine or have examined the books and records of a person whose business activities require licensure under this chapter and the department may require the person to pay the reasonable costs of the examination; and

(4) issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses, and the production of books, records, and other documents.