225 ILCS 407/20-55
The Secretary has the authority to appoint any attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois to serve as the hearing officer in any action for refusal to issue, restore, or renew a license or to discipline a licensee. The hearing officer has full authority to conduct the hearing. Any Board member may attend hearings. The hearing officer shall report his or her findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Board. The Board shall review the report of the hearing officer and present its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Secretary and to all parties to the proceedings.
If the Secretary disagrees with the recommendations of the Board or hearing officer, the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the Board's recommendations.
225 ILCS 407/20-55