§16-1-17. Penalties for interfering with examiners, inspectors or other authorized representatives of the commissioner in the performance of duty.

The commissioner may employ such administrative employees, inspectors, examiners or other persons as may be necessary to properly carry out the provisions of the public health laws of this state. The inspectors, examiners and other employees shall act as the commission's representatives and, under his or her direction, shall enforce the provisions of the public health laws and all duly promulgated public health rules and in the discharge of official duties, shall have the right of entry into any institution or school, whether public or private, public conveyances, dairy, creamery, slaughterhouse, workshop, factory, labor camp, place of entertainment, hotel, tourist camp, all other places open to the general public and inviting public patronage or public assembly, or tendering to the public any item for human consumption, and places where hazardous trades or industries are conducted.

Any person interfering with or attempting to interfere with any inspector, examiner, or other duly authorized employee of the commissioner in the discharge of his or her duties under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $500.