225 ILCS 407/20-50

(225 ILCS 407/20-50)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 20-50. Findings and recommendations. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board shall present to the Secretary a written report of its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations. The report shall contain a finding whether or not the person charged violated this Act or any rules promulgated pursuant to this Act. The Board shall specify the nature of any violations and shall make its recommendations to the Secretary. In making recommendations for any disciplinary action, the Board may take into consideration all facts and circumstances bearing upon the reasonableness of the conduct of the person, including, but not limited to, previous discipline of the person by the Department, intent, degree of harm to the public and likelihood of future harm to the public, any restitution made by the person, and whether the incident or incidents contained in the complaint appear to be isolated or represent a continuing pattern of conduct. In making its recommendations for discipline, the Board shall endeavor to ensure that the severity of the discipline recommended is reasonably proportional to the severity of the violation.

The report of the Board's findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations shall be the basis for the Department's decision to refuse to issue, restore, or renew a license, or to take any other disciplinary action. If the Secretary disagrees with the recommendations of the Board, the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the Board recommendations. The report's findings are not admissible in evidence against the person in a criminal prosecution brought for a violation of this Act, but the hearing and findings are not a bar to a criminal prosecution for the violation of this Act.

If the Secretary disagrees in any regard with the report of the Advisory Board, the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the report. The Secretary shall provide a written report to the Advisory Board on any deviation and shall specify with particularity the reasons for that action in the final order.

(Source: P.A. 103-236, eff. 1-1-24.)