225 ILCS 110/22
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 for any action for refusal to issue, restore, or renew a license or discipline of a license. The hearing officer shall have full authority to conduct the hearing. Board members may attend hearings. The hearing officer shall report his or her findings and recommendations to the Board and the Secretary. The Board shall review the report of the hearing officer and present its findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations to the Secretary and to all parties to the proceedings. If the Secretary disagrees in any regard with the Board's report, he or she may issue an order in contravention of the Board's report.
225 ILCS 110/22