(a) Upon the application of any party or representatives of a party a subpoena or a subpoena duces tecum may be signed and issued by the commissioner or by a duly designated employee of the department authorized to conduct the proceeding wherein the subpoena is requested. Written application for subpoenas duces tecum must be submitted at least five days prior to a hearing, setting forth the papers desired to be produced and the reasons why they are necessary in the conduct of the proceeding.

(b) Any attorney may issue a subpoena as provided in section 304 of the State Administrative Procedure Act.