225 ILCS 80/26.7
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 26.6 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 discipline of a license. The hearing officer shall have full authority to conduct the hearing. The Board shall have the right to have at least one member present at any hearing conducted by such hearing officer. 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 review the report of the hearing officer and present its findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations to the Secretary. If the Secretary disagrees in any regard with the report of the Board or hearing officer, he or she may issue an order in contravention thereof. The Secretary shall specify with particularity the reasons for such action in the final order.
225 ILCS 80/26.7