Sec. 27. (a) If the administrative law judge is the ultimate authority for the agency, the ultimate authority's order disposing of a proceeding is a final order. If the administrative law judge is not the ultimate authority, the administrative law judge's order disposing of the proceeding becomes a final order when affirmed under section 29 of this chapter. Regardless of whether the order is final, it must comply with this section.

(b) This subsection applies only to an order not subject to subsection (c). The order must include, separately stated, findings of fact for all aspects of the order, including the remedy prescribed and, if applicable, the action taken on a petition for stay of effectiveness. Findings of ultimate fact must be accompanied by a concise statement of the underlying basic facts of record to support the findings. The order must also include a statement of the available procedures and time limit for seeking administrative review of the order (if administrative review is available).

(c) This subsection applies only to an order of the ultimate authority entered under IC 13, IC 14, or IC 25. The order must include separately stated findings of fact and, if a final order, conclusions of law for all aspects of the order, including the remedy prescribed and, if applicable, the action taken on a petition for stay of effectiveness. Findings of ultimate fact must be accompanied by a concise statement of the underlying basic facts of record to support the findings. Conclusions of law must consider prior final orders (other than negotiated orders) of the ultimate authority under the same or similar circumstances if those prior final orders are raised on the record in writing by a party and must state the reasons for deviations from those prior orders. The order must also include a statement of the available procedures and time limit for seeking administrative review of the order (if administrative review is available).

(d) Findings must be based exclusively upon the evidence of record in the proceeding and on matters officially noticed in that proceeding. Findings must be based upon the kind of evidence that is substantial and reliable. The administrative law judge's experience, technical competence, and specialized knowledge may be used in evaluating evidence.

(e) A substitute administrative law judge may issue the order under this section upon the record that was generated by a previous administrative law judge.

(f) The administrative law judge may allow the parties a designated amount of time after conclusion of the hearing for the submission of proposed findings.

(g) An order under this section shall be issued in writing within ninety (90) days after conclusion of the hearing or after submission of proposed findings in accordance with subsection (f), unless this period is waived or extended with the written consent of all parties or for good cause shown.

(h) The administrative law judge shall have copies of the order under this section delivered to each party and to the ultimate authority for the agency (if it is not rendered by the ultimate authority).

As added by P.L.18-1986, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.25-1997, SEC.1; P.L.2-1998, SEC.10.