Section 1290.560  Findings and Recommendations

a)         At the conclusion of a hearing, the hearing officer shall present the Director with a written report of the findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations. The report shall state whether the hearing officer finds the respondent liable or not liable. If the hearing officer finds the respondent liable, the hearing officer shall specify the violations. The hearing officer shall promptly serve a copy of the written report on the respondent.

b)         The report of findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendation of the hearing officer shall be a basis for the Director's order refusing to issue, restore or renew a registration, or otherwise discipline a registrant. If the Director disagrees with the recommendations of the hearing officer, the Director may issue an order in contravention of the hearing officer's recommendations. The finding is not admissible as evidence against the person in a criminal prosecution brought for a violation of this Act, but the hearing and finding is not a bar to a criminal prosecution brought for a violation of this Act.