Proceedings for any action under section 542B.21 shall be begun by filing with the board written charges against the accused. Upon the filing of charges the board may request the department of inspections and appeals to conduct an investigation into the charges. The department of inspections and appeals shall report its findings to the board, and the board shall designate a time and place for a hearing, and shall notify the accused of this action and furnish the accused a copy of all charges at least thirty days prior to the date of the hearing. The accused has the right to appear personally or by counsel, to cross-examine witnesses, and to produce witnesses in defense.