Illinois Statutes Chapter 225. Professions,Occupations and Business Operations § 210/5003. Appeal to Department; Hearing; Notice

(a) Whenever the Department intends to refuse to issue or renew or to suspend, revoke or take other disciplinary action with respect to a license or certificate, the Department shall give notice to the applicant or holder. Such notice shall be in writing, shall state specifically the grounds upon which the Department intends to take the indicated action and shall be served by delivery of the same personally to the applicant or holder, or by mailing the same by registered or certified mail to the applicant or holder's last known address. The aggrieved party may appeal to the Department for a hearing. The applicant or holder shall request such a hearing in writing within 30 days after notice is mailed. The provisions of Sections 5003 through 5005 shall not apply to decisions of the Department to deny a license or certificate based on an applicant's failure to satisfy any age or examination requirements.

(b) Upon the receipt of a request for a hearing, the Department shall order a hearing to be held. The hearing proceedings shall be commenced within 30 days after the receipt by the Department of the request for a hearing unless the hearing is continued for good cause at the request of any party. The Department shall, at least 10 days prior to the date set for the hearing, notify in writing the applicant for or holder of a license or certificate that a hearing will be held at the place and on the date designated in the notice to determine whether the applicant or holder is qualified to hold a license or certificate, and that the Department shall afford the applicant or holder an opportunity to be heard. Such written notice may be served by personal delivery to the applicant or holder, or by mailing the notice by registered or certified mail to the applicant or holder's last known address.

(c) At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Department shall proceed to hear the appeal, and all parties to the proceeding shall have the opportunity to present such statements, testimony, evidence and argument as may be relevant to the proceeding. Hearings shall be conducted by hearing officers appointed by the Department, and an authorized agent of the Department may administer oaths to witnesses at any hearing which the Department is authorized to conduct. The Department, if necessary, may continue such hearing from time to time. Hearing officers may authorize reasonable discovery by any party. The Illinois Code of Civil Procedure and Illinois Supreme Court rules shall not be applicable to hearing proceedings under this Section.

(d) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Department to deny, refuse to issue or renew, or suspend, revoke, or take other disciplinary action with respect to a license or certificate if the applicant or holder waives the right to a hearing by failing to request a hearing within the prescribed time after notice is mailed.