Ch. 8, § 6. Decisions

. (a) The hearing officer shall make proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law within thirty (30) calendar days of the close of the hearing and forward them to the Director of the Department for the final decision. This time may be extended if the parties or other interested persons are to submit briefs; but may not be extended by more than ten (10) business days, unless the parties stipulate, in writing or on the record at the hearing, to a later date. (i) Within ten (10) business days of the close of the hearing, or such additional time as the hearing officer may allow, each party shall be allowed to file with the hearing officer any proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, together with a supporting brief. Such proposals and briefs shall be served on all parties. (ii) Within ten (10) business days after the issuance of the hearing officer's proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, any of the parties may submit exceptions. Such exceptions shall be filed with the Director of the Department and served on all parties. (b) Within ten (10) business days after the period for submitting exceptions, the Director of the Department shall make and enter into the record the final decision. The final decision shall be served on all parties to the proceedings.