(a) All hearings and investigations authorized by this part shall be governed by this part and by rules of practice and procedure adopted by the board. In the conduct of any hearing or investigation any informality in any proceeding or in the manner of taking testimony shall not invalidate any order, decision, or rule made, approved, or confirmed by the board.
(b) During the investigation or hearing of a complaint of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation of a state employee, the board hearing officer, the departmental hearing officer, the board investigator, or the departmental investigator shall give due consideration to current laws and decisions applicable to the state civil service in arriving at a recommended decision. The recommended decisions of the hearing officer and the board shall include references to those laws and decisions applied.