Section 130.1101  Qualifications and Duties of the Hearing Officer

a)         The hearing officer 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 years; and

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

b)         A hearing officer 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 Secretary or his or her designated representative after consideration of the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations of the hearing officer.

(Source:  Amended at 14 Ill. Reg. 5188, effective March 26, 1990)