1. (a) As provided in 17-2 G.S., the commissioner may delegate the power and authority to any deputy, assistant, investigator or supervisor to serve as hearing officer or presiding officer at a contested case hearing and to render final decision in said contested case.
2. (b) The commissioner may delegate the power and authority to any person to serve as hearing officer or presiding officer at a contested case hearing and to recommend a proposed decision to the commissioner with compliance with 4-179 G.S. when required by said statute.

(Effective March 28, 1990)