Section 1125.50  Review at the Final Level

a)         If the grievance has not been resolved at the Designated Coordinator Level to the satisfaction of the complainant, the complainant may submit a copy of the grievance form and the Designated Coordinator's response to the Auditor General for final review within ten (10) days after receipt of the Designated Coordinator's written response.  The complainant shall submit these documents to the Auditor General, together with a short written statement explaining the reason(s) for dissatisfaction with the Designated Coordinator's written response.  The Auditor General will extend the period for submitting the review request and supporting documents for up to ten (10) additional days upon complainant's request.

b)         The Auditor General shall appoint a three (3) member panel to review the grievance at the Final Level (the "Review Panel").  One member so appointed shall be designated chairperson.  The Designated Coordinator, or any representative of the Designated Coordinator, who conducted the investigation at the Designated Coordinator Level, may not be a member of the Review Panel.

c)         The complainant shall be afforded an opportunity to appear before the Review Panel.  The Review Panel shall review the Designated Coordinator's written response and may conduct interviews and seek advice as it deems appropriate.

d)         The Review Panel shall approve, disapprove or modify the recommendation of the Designated Coordinator, shall render a decision thereon in writing within thirty (30) days, shall state the basis therefore, and shall cause a copy of the  decision to be served on the parties.  The Review Panel's decision shall be final.  If the Review Panel disapproves or modifies the Designated Coordinator's recommendations, the Review Panel shall include written reasons for such disapproval or modification.

e)         The grievance form, the Designated Coordinator's response, the statement of reasons for dissatisfaction, and the decision of the Review Panel shall be maintained in accordance with the State Records Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 116, par. 43.4 et seq.) [5 ILCS 160], or as otherwise required by law.