Notwithstanding any provision in this Act, the Secretary has the authority to appoint an attorney duly licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois to serve as the hearing officer in any action for refusal to issue or renew a license or discipline a license. The Board may have least one member present at any hearing conducted by the hearing officer. The hearing officer shall have full authority to conduct the hearing. The hearing officer shall report his or her findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Board and to the Secretary.
If the Secretary disagrees in any regard with the report of the Board or hearing officer, he or she may issue an order in contravention thereof. The Secretary may notify the Board on any such deviation.