California Code, Government Code - GOV § 19805

The department shall establish and administer procedures, including provisions for investigations and hearings, to determine whether a particular merit system is in conformity with the standards established or approved by the department pursuant to Section 19801.  In conducting any hearing provided by such procedures, or in conducting an appeal hearing under Section 19803, the department shall have the same authority as it does in conducting hearings pursuant to Section 19815.