3.__Investigations unit established.__The investigations unit is established to investigate reports of suspected abuse and neglect of children by persons or in facilities subject to licensure pursuant to this Title.__The investigations unit is also authorized to assist persons or agencies to investigate suspected abuse and neglect by persons or in facilities providing services to children that are subject to licensure pursuant to other Titles and to assist in investigations or suspected abuse and neglect in state-operated facilities providing services for children.

4.__Authority and responsibility.__The investigations unit has the following authority and responsibilities regarding investigation of out-of-home abuse and neglect.__The investigations unit:

A.__Is authorized to receive all reports of out-of-home abuse and neglect, including reports of serious or chronic licensing violations;

B.__Shall investigate all reports received by the department regarding alleged out-of-home abuse and neglect occurring in facilities or by persons subject to licensure by the department or shall cause an investigation to be made by the appropriate licensing authority, if warranted;

C.__Shall conduct a single investigation sufficient to determine not only if abuse or neglect has occurred but also if licensing violations have occurred.__Such investigations must be conducted in order to protect children from harm by establishing a basis upon which to take licensing action, if warranted.__This procedure exists in order to minimize duplicative or redundant investigations to the extent possible in response to the same or related allegations of out-of-home abuse or neglect in facilities or by persons subject to licensure by the department;

D.__Shall direct and coordinate all out-of-home abuse and neglect investigations and consult with division staff performing licensing, placement, contracting or child protection functions to eliminate duplicative or redundant investigations;

E.__Shall provide the facts and findings of the investigation to the division's licensing staff and to the licensee for appropriate action;