Sec. 2A-10. Decisions.

Content. All recommendations and/or decisions of the hearing authority except rulings on preliminary matters or on motions or objections shall be in writing, based on evidence of record and shall contain findings of fact, conclusions of law and an appropriate decision and order; provided, however, any decision stipulated or consented to by the parties need only be reflected by an appropriate written order or consent decree.

Evidence required. All recommendations and/or decisions of the hearing authority shall be based upon and supported by a preponderance of the evidence of record.

Voting requirements. Any decision rendered in conformance with the provisions of this article must have the concurrence of a majority of the voting members of the decision-making authority unless a greater number of votes are required by law. Members of the hearing authority absent during a hearing may vote upon a matter upon written certification that they have read the transcripts and reviewed the evidence of record.

Time requirements for decisions. All recommendations and/or decisions of the hearing authority shall be rendered within forty-five (45) days after the closing of the record in the case; provided, however, the hearing authority on its own motion may extend the time for recommendation and/or decision for an additional period upon written notification to all parties.

Notification of recommendation and/or decision. All recommendations and/or decisions of the hearing authority shall be released and sent simultaneously to all parties of record and their counsel.

Rehearing and reconsideration. Where otherwise permitted by law, any request for rehearing or reconsideration shall be filed within ten (10) days from a final decision. Thereafter a rehearing or reconsideration may be approved only in the case of fraud, mistake or irregularity. Any request for rehearing or reconsideration shall be in writing, containing supporting reasons therefor, with copies served on all parties of record. Any decision on a request for rehearing or reconsideration not granted within ten (10) days following receipt of the request therefor in accord with subsection (c) of this section shall be deemed denied. Any request for rehearing or reconsideration shall stay the time for any administrative appeal pursuant to judicial review until such time as the request is denied or in the event such request is granted such further time or a subsequent decision is rendered. A request for reconsideration or rehearing shall not stay the operation of any order unless the hearing authority so states.

Informal disposition. Where appropriate to the nature of the proceedings and the governing laws, informal disposition may be made of any contested case by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent order or default.