(1) Unless otherwise provided by statute, rule or order of the board, all information, contained in any pleading, submittal, petition, statement, recommendation, report, map, exception, brief, memorandum, or other document filed with the board pursuant to the requirements of a statute or rule or order of this board shall be available for inspections by the public; provided, however, that no written complaint or charges filed against the holder of a license or an applicant shall be open to inspection unless and until the board has ordered that the matter be set for hearing and a notice of hearing has been issued to the person against whom a complaint or charge has been filed.

(2) Matters of public record may be inspected in the offices of the board in Helena, during regular office hours. Copies of matters of public record will be furnished to any person upon written request and upon payment of the charges thereof.

(a) Requests for public information, for permission to inspect official records or for copies of public records will be made in writing and handled with due regard for the dispatch of other public duties.