Section 200.402  Qualifications and Duties of the Administrative Law Judge

a)         The Administrative Law Judge shall meet the following standards and qualifications:

1)         be of high integrity and of good personal repute;

2)         be admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois and be a member in good standing of the Bar of Illinois for at least three (3) years; and

3)         be familiar with the Sections contained in this Part and the Act.

b)         An Administrative Law Judge shall rule on procedure and the admissibility of evidence and shall make findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations.

c)         The final decision in all hearings shall be made by the Director or the Director's authorized representative after consideration of the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations of the Administrative Law Judge.

d)         No Administrative Law Judge shall be assigned to any hearing in which he/she or an immediate family member has any financial interest in the outcome of the hearing or that involves a party who has employed the Judge or who has had a contractual relationship with the Judge within one year prior to the hearing.