The board may conduct such hearings as may be required by law, as considered necessary by the board, and as necessary to hear appeals from decisions of administrative law judges pursuant to Chapter 23 of Title 1. The board does not have the authority to hear appeals from decisions of the Coastal Zone Management Appellate Panel or the Mining Council. Such appeals shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions in Chapters 20 and 30 of Title 48.

The board shall provide for the administrative organization of the department and shall consolidate and merge existing duties, functions, and officers of the former agencies as may be necessary for economic and efficient administration. Provided, however, that the board may appoint such advisory boards as it considers necessary to carry out the functions of Sections 44-1-10 to 44-1-70, and there shall be provided a compensation for their services as provided by the law for members of boards and commissions.