S.C. Code Ann. § 48-1-160

The hearings herein provided for may be conducted by the Department at a regular or special meeting or it may delegate to any member, to the executive director or to any employee or agent of the Department, the authority to conduct such hearings in the name of the Department at any time and place. But the Department shall make all necessary decisions as to the matter under consideration. Such decision may be based solely upon the record of any hearing conducted by the Department or by its duly authorized representative.