Upon the receipt of a petition pursuant to section 83-1219, the department shall assign it to a hearing officer. The hearing officer shall receive all subsequent pleadings and shall conduct the hearing. At the hearing the parties shall present evidence on the issues raised in the pleadings. At the completion of the proceedings, the hearing officer shall prepare a report based on the evidence presented containing recommendations for the director to make findings of fact and conclusions of law. Within forty-five days after the receipt of a request for a hearing, the director shall prepare a final decision and order directing such action as may be necessary. At the request of either party for good cause shown, the hearing officer may grant specific extensions of time beyond this period. The report and the final decision and order shall be delivered to each party or attorney of record by certified mail.