Section 9500.10  Function

a)         Authority of the Commission Review Board (Board) shall consist of the following:

1)         to receive complaints concerning conduct that occurred after June 30, 1984 by a Workers' Compensation Commission (WCC) Commissioner or WCCArbitrator (respondent) when:

A)        allegations of misconduct committed as part of the respondent's duties have been made that would factually support an indictment under the criminal law of Illinois;

B)        allegations that the respondent's conduct demonstrates favoritism toward one party in the conduct of the proceeding;

C)        allegations that the respondent did not follow the procedures and rules of WCC Commission or the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act [820 ILCS 305] (Act); or

D)        allegations that a respondent had a conflict of interest and did not recuse himself or herself from that matter.

2)         to conduct investigations of complaints;

3)         to conduct hearings on complaints to determine if there is sufficient evidence:

A)        to advise the respondent of necessary corrective action, which shall consist of an oral or written reprimand sent to the respondent by the Board stating that the respondent should not repeat the conduct stated in the complaint; or

B)        in matters of serious concern to the State, to recommend to the Governor the non-reappointment of a Commissioner or an Arbitrator.  A matter of serious concern may include, but not limited to, misconduct in a proceeding by a Commissioner or Arbitrator that would support an indictment under Illinois criminal law, a pattern of complaints requiring corrective action consisting of three oral or written reprimands for favoritism toward a party, or failure to follow rules or procedures of WCC.

b)         Complaints against Board Members

            No member of the Board may participate in any proceedings before the Board involving a complaint as to his or her own conduct, except to defend against the complaint.

c)         Meetings

Regular meetings of the Board will be scheduled to be held at least once per calendar year quarter.  Additional meetings will be held pursuant to the call of the Chairman or at the request of three or more members.  The meetings of the Board shall conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act [5 ILCS 120].

(Source:  Amended at 36 Ill. Reg. 17920, effective December 4, 2012)