N.C. Gen. Stat. § 74D-5.2: Investigative powers of the Secretary of Public Safety.

The Secretary of Public Safety shall have the power to investigate or cause to be investigated any complaints, allegations, or suspicions of wrongdoing or violations of this Chapter involving individuals unlicensed, licensed, or to be licensed, under this Chapter. Any investigation conducted pursuant to this section is deemed confidential and is not subject to review under G.S. 132-1 until the investigation is complete and a report is presented to the Board. However, the report may be released to the licensee after the investigation is complete but before the report is presented to the Board. (1985, c. 561, s. 5; 2009-557, s. 3; 2014-100, s. 17.5(g); 2025-51, s. 1(a).)