The Secretary has the authority to appoint any attorney licensed to practice law in the State to serve as the hearing officer in any action for refusal to issue, restore, or renew a registration or to discipline a registrant. The hearing officer has full authority to conduct the hearing. The hearing officer shall report his or her findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Secretary. If the Secretary disagrees with the recommendation of the hearing officer, the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the recommendation.
225 ILCS 459/110