225 ILCS 454/20-66
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, applicant, or unlicensed person. The hearing officer has full authority to conduct the hearing. Any Board member may attend the hearing. 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 all parties to the proceeding. If the Secretary disagrees with a recommendation of the Board or of the hearing officer, then the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the recommendation.
225 ILCS 454/20-66