(225 ILCS 115/25.9) (from Ch. 111, par. 7025.9)
    (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2014)
    Sec. 25.9. Hearing officers; reports; review. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 25.2 of this Act, the Secretary shall have 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, renew, or discipline of a license, certificate, or permit. The Secretary shall notify the Board of any appointment. 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 have 60 days from receipt of the report to review the report of the hearing officer and present its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Secretary. If the Board fails to present its report within the 60 day period, then the Secretary may issue an order based on the report of the hearing officer. If the Secretary disagrees in any regard with the report of the Board or hearing officer, then the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the report. The Secretary shall provide a written explanation to the Board on any deviation, and shall specify with particularity the reasons for the action in the final order. At least 2 licensed veterinarian members of the Board should be present at all formal hearings on the merits of complaints brought under the provisions of this Act.
(Source: P.A. 96-1322, eff. 7-27-10.)