(a) Following a contested case hearing, the ALJ shall review the evidence and testimony and prepare a PFD which shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law, and, if appropriate, may include recommendations for an appropriate decision or sanction.(b) The ALJ shall serve copies of the PFD on all parties of record within 30 days after conclusion of the hearing. The parties may submit exceptions to the PFD and replies to the exceptions. Exceptions, replies to exceptions, and related briefs must be submitted to the ALJ and to the commission through the department and, unless otherwise indicated, must be filed within deadlines established by the ALJ. The ALJ may amend the PFD in response to the exceptions, replies, or briefs submitted. If the ALJ makes substantive revisions, the ALJ shall circulate the amended PFD to the parties for additional exceptions and briefs before submitting the PFD to the Department.(c) The ALJ shall submit the PFD together with all materials listed in the APA §2001.060, to the Department. No additional briefs may be submitted after the case is under submission to the commission for decision unless requested by the commission. The APA §2001.058 provides the standards the commission must follow if its decision differs from the PFD.(d) The commission shall make a decision regarding the PFD within 30 days of the date of receipt of the PFD.