The Secretary shall, upon receiving the verified complaint in writing of any aggrieved person setting forth facts that, if proved, would constitute grounds for reversal or change of any decision, order, or action of the Secretary, except as provided in Section 9018 of this Act, grant a hearing on the complaint. If the aggrieved person desires such a hearing, he or she shall, within 10 days after receipt of notice of such decision, order, or action, file written notice with the Secretary of intent to demand a hearing and shall, within 30 days after receipt of notice of such decision, order, or action, file his or her verified complaint in writing. The date of the hearing may not be earlier than 15 days nor later than 30 days after the date of receipt of verified complaint in writing. The Secretary shall, at least 10 days prior to the date set for the hearing, notify in writing the person aggrieved by such decision, order, or action, referred to in this Section as the respondent, and all other parties to the action, that a hearing will be held on the date designated and shall afford the respondent and all other parties to the action an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel in reference thereto. Written notice may be served by delivery of the same personally to the respondent and all other parties to the action or by mailing the notice by registered or certified mail to the place of business specified by the respondent and all other parties to the action in the last notification to the Secretary. At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Secretary or his or her authorized agent, referred to in this Section as the hearing officer, shall proceed to hear the charges and the respondent, all other parties to the action, and the complainant shall be accorded ample opportunity to present in person or by counsel such statements, testimony, evidence, and argument as may be pertinent to the issues. The hearing officer may continue such hearing from time to time.
The hearing officer may subpoena any person in this State and may take testimony either orally, by deposition, or by exhibit, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed by law in judicial proceedings in civil cases in circuit courts of this State.
The hearing officer may administer oaths to witnesses at any hearing that the hearing officer is authorized by law to conduct.
After the hearing, the Secretary shall make a determination approving, modifying, or disapproving the decision, order, or action of the Secretary as his or her final administrative decision.
205 ILCS 205/9018.1