(1) The board shall convene an initial hearing within 50 days after the date review is initiated.
(2) At the initial hearing, the board shall:
(a) determine how the review will take place, including whether it will be conducted as a formal or informal adjudicative proceeding; and
(b) set a schedule for the review proceeding.
(3) The board shall hold a hearing on the merits within 60 days after the initial hearing.