Iowa Admin. Code r. 721-25.5
The presiding officer, or a designated staff member, may attempt to informally settle a complaint proceeding before or after a notice of the proceeding is issued. If a staff member is designated to initiate settlement discussions, the designee shall have authority to negotiate on behalf of the presiding officer, but shall not have authority to bind the presiding officer to particular terms of settlement. If the presiding officer and respondent(s) agree to settlement of a pending complaint, a consent order shall be issued. By electing to sign a consent order, the respondent(s) waives all rights to a hearing and all attendant procedures. The consent order shall have the force and effect of a final order of the presiding officer and shall be served and published as provided in rule 721-25.28 (17A).
Iowa Admin. Code r. 721-25.5