N.C. Gen. Stat. § 74C-7
The Secretary of Public Safety for the State of North Carolina has the power to investigate or cause to be investigated any complaints, allegations, or suspicions of wrongdoing or violations of this Chapter involving unlicensed individuals, licensed individuals, or individuals to be licensed under this Chapter. The Secretary shall retain the authority to enforce the provisions of this Chapter and impose any penalty authorized by G.S. 74C-12(a) and G.S. 74C-17 against any person or entity who is under investigation for or charged with a violation of this Chapter even if the person or entity's license or registration has been surrendered or has lapsed. Any investigation conducted pursuant to this section is 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.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 74C-7