(a) During an investigation described by this subchapter, the commissioner may appoint a hearing officer to conduct the investigation.
(b) On appointment, a hearing officer has the same authority as the commissioner to conduct the investigation, except that the hearing officer may not issue an order on the subject of the investigation.

(c) The commissioner may consider the record of an investigation conducted before a hearing officer in the same manner and to the same extent as in a hearing before the commissioner.