(a) If the Executive Officer assigns a complaint for investigation, the Executive Officer or the assigned investigator(s) shall conduct the investigation in the manner and to the degree they deem appropriate, and shall have full authority to question witnesses, inspect documents, and visit state facilities in furtherance of their investigations. All state agencies and employees shall cooperate fully with the investigators, or be subject to disciplinary action for impeding the investigation. The investigators, pursuant to the provisions of Government Code section 18671, shall have authority to administer oaths, subpoena and require the attendance of witnesses and the production of books or papers, and cause the depositions of witnesses residing within or without the state to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for like depositions in civil cases in the superior court of this state under Article 3 (commencing with section 2016) of Chapter 3 of Title 4 of Part 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure, in order to ensure a fair and expeditious investigation.

(b) The Executive Officer shall issue findings regarding the allegations contained in the complaint and a recommended remedy, if any, based on the investigation, in accordance with the provisions of section 67.6.