205 ILCS 740/22

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. The hearing officer shall report findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Secretary and to all the parties to the proceeding. If the Secretary disagrees with the recommendation of the hearing officer, the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the recommendation.