In the administration of this chapter, the department shall have the power to conduct public hearings for the purposes of determining the law's effectiveness, determining methods and standards of administration and to otherwise assist in carrying out the purposes of this chapter.
The department shall have the authority to administer oaths and affirmations, take depositions, issue subpoenas, and compel the attendance of witnesses and production of books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, and other records deemed necessary as evidence.
Ala. Code § 25-10-5 (1975)