225 ILCS 64/150

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 140, the Secretary shall have the authority to appoint any attorney duly licensed to practice law in this State to serve as the hearing officer in any action for refusal to issue or renew, or for discipline of, a license. 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 the Secretary. The Board shall review the report of the hearing officer and present their findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations 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.