Iowa Admin. Code r. 721-3.2
As used in these rules:
"Agency" means the secretary of state.
"Contested case" means a proceeding, including licensing, in which the legal rights, duties or privileges of a party are required by constitution or statutes to be determined by an agency after an opportunity for an evidentiary hearing.
"License" means the whole or a part of any permit, certificate, approval, registration, charter, or similar form of permission required by statute.
"Presiding officer" means the person assigned to hear and decide the contested case, whether that individual is the secretary or secretary's designee, or an administrative law judge appointed according to Iowa Code chapter 17A.
"Proceeding" includes licensing, rule making, declaratory ruling, contested cases, review, and formal or informal procedures allowed by law.
Iowa Admin. Code r. 721-3.2