(a) Hearings under Sections 4-201.1, 4-312, 4-704 and 4-709 of this Chapter shall be conducted by a utilization review committee. The Secretary shall appoint a utilization review committee at each Department facility. Each such committee shall consist of multi-disciplinary professional staff members who are trained and equipped to deal with the habilitation needs of clients. At least one member of the committee shall be a qualified intellectual disabilities professional. The client and the objector may be represented by persons of their choice.(b) The utilization review committee shall not be bound by rules of evidence or procedure but shall conduct the proceedings in a manner intended to ensure a fair hearing. The committee may make such investigation as it deems necessary. It may administer oaths and compel by subpoena testimony and the production of records. A stenographic or audio recording of the proceedings shall be made and shall be kept in the client's record. Within 3 days of conclusion of the hearing, the committee shall submit to the facility director its written recommendations which include its factual findings and conclusions. A copy of the recommendations shall be given to the client and the objector.(c) Within 7 days of receipt of the recommendations, the facility director shall give written notice to the client and objector of his acceptance or rejection of the recommendations and his reason therefor. If the facility director rejects the recommendations or if the client or objector requests review of the facility director's decision, the facility director shall promptly forward a copy of his decision, the recommendations, and the record of the hearing to the Secretary of the Department for final review. The review of the facility director's decision shall be decided by the Secretary or his or her designee within 30 days of the receipt of a request for final review. The decision of the facility director, or the decision of the Secretary (or his or her designee) if review was requested, shall be considered a final administrative decision, and shall be subject to review under and in accordance with Article III of the Code of Civil Procedure. The decision of the facility director, or the decision of the Secretary (or his or her designee) if review was requested, shall be considered a final administrative decision.Amended by P.A. 097-0227,§ 94, eff. 1/1/2012. P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.