Informal conferences, after a formal hearing is requested, shall be conducted with at least one member of the Board in attendance. Notwithstanding any provisions concerning the conduct of hearings and recommendations for disciplinary actions, the Department has the authority to negotiate agreements with licensees and applicants resulting in disciplinary or non-disciplinary consent orders. The consent orders may provide for any of the forms of discipline provided in this Act. The consent orders shall provide that they were not entered into as a result of any coercion by the Department.
205 ILCS 740/11