The Secretary has the authority to appoint any attorney duly licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois to serve as the hearing officer in any action for refusal to issue, restore, or renew a license or to discipline a licensee. The hearing officer shall have full authority to conduct the hearing. A Board member or members may, but are not required to, attend hearings. The hearing officer shall report his or her findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Board. The Board shall review the report of the hearing officer and present its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Secretary and to all parties to the proceeding. If the Secretary disagrees with the recommendation of the Board or of the hearing officer, the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the recommendation.