The Chief ALJ may designate an individual who is not an employee of the Office and who meets the qualifications established under State Government Article, §9-1604(a)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland, to conduct a hearing on the appeal of charges. When the Chief ALJ designates an individual to conduct the hearing on an appeal of charges: The Administrative Procedure Act, State Government Article, §10-212, Annotated Code of Maryland, shall apply; and The designated individual shall issue a proposed decision in accordance with State Government Article, §§10-216(a) and 10-220(d), Annotated Code of Maryland. The proposed decision shall be in writing and: Be issued within 30 days of the close of the record; Be sent by certified mail to: The ALJ who filed the appeal; The Chief ALJ; and The parties’ counsel of record; and Include: Findings of fact and conclusions of law; and Notice in accordance with State Government Article, §10-216(a), Annotated Code of Maryland, that: Written exceptions may be filed with the Office within 15 days after the proposed decision is mailed; and Oral argument may be requested in writing at the time that exceptions are filed.