(a) A hearings examiner shall prepare a final order as soon as possible, but not later than 60 days after the hearing is closed, or as otherwise provided by law. The final order shall include the hearings examiner's findings of fact and conclusions of law. The final order shall be sent by the department to all parties by certified mail.
(b) A party who disagrees with the final order may file a motion for rehearing in accordance with Government Code, Chapter 2001, subject to Occupations Code, Chapter 2301, Subchapter O. A motion for rehearing of a final order must:
  (1) be filed with the chief hearings examiner;
  (2) include the specific reasons, exceptions, or grounds asserted by a party as the basis of the request for a rehearing; and
  (3) recite, if applicable, the specific findings of fact, conclusions of law, or any other portions of the final order to which the party objects.
(c) Replies to a motion for rehearing must be filed with the chief hearings examiner in accordance with Government Code, Chapter 2001, subject to Occupations Code, §2301.713.
(d) If the chief hearings examiner or designee grants a motion for rehearing, the parties will be notified by mail and a rehearing will be scheduled promptly. After rehearing, a final order shall be issued with any additional findings of fact or conclusions of law, if necessary to support the final order.
(e) A hearings examiner may issue a final order granting the relief requested in a motion for rehearing or requested in a reply to a motion for rehearing without the need for a rehearing.
(f) If a motion for rehearing is denied, the chief hearings examiner or designee will issue a final order and notify the parties.

Source Note: The provisions of this §224.264 adopted to be effective June 1, 2024, 49 TexReg 2771