§8. Investigations; entry on and inspection of premises; order to compel attendance of witnesses or production of documents

A. The state health officer shall conduct investigations to determine compliance with the state sanitary code or health and sanitary laws of the state and shall investigate any circumstances which he has determined pose a threat or reasonable expectation of a threat to the public health.

B. In conducting an investigation pursuant to this Section, the state health officer or any duly authorized representative may enter, examine, and inspect all grounds, structures, public buildings, and public places in execution of a warrant issued in accordance with the constitution and laws of Louisiana.

C. In conducting an investigation pursuant to this Section, the state health officer may petition the district court of the parish where the person, agency, organization, or legal entity resides, may be found, transacts business, or has its principal place of business for an order to compel the attendance of a witness or to compel the production of documents or records anywhere in the state, if information relevant to the inspection or investigation is in the possession of the witness or is contained in the documents or records.

D. The clerk of court of the parish where the district court is located that issues an order under this Section shall mail a certified copy of the order and certified copy of the state health officer's petition to the parties indicated in the state health officer's petition to receive service of process of the order and petition. The clerk shall file a certificate in the record showing the date on which, and the counsel and parties to whom, the certified copy of the order and petition were mailed. The mailing of the certified copy of the order and petition shall be effective service of process on residents and nonresidents under R.S. 13:3201 et seq.

Acts 1976, No. 346, §1; Acts 1999, No. 667, §1.