(a) In addition to requesting a hearing as provided for in subdivision (b)(4) of Section 125.9 of the code, the person cited may, within 15 calendar days after service of the citation, notify the executive director in writing of his or her request for an informal conference with the executive director regarding the acts charged in the citation. The time allowed for the request shall begin the first day after the citation has been served.

(b) The executive director shall, within 30 calendar days from the receipt of the request, hold an informal conference with the person cited and/or his or her legal counsel or authorized representative. The conference may be held telephonically. At the conclusion of the informal conference the executive director may affirm, modify or dismiss the citation, including any fine levied or order of abatement issued. The executive director shall state in writing the reasons for his or her action and serve or mail a copy of his or her findings and decision to the person cited within 15 calendar days from the date of the informal conference, as provided in subsection (b) of section 1659.32. This decision shall be deemed to be a final order with regard to the citation issued, including the fine levied and the order of abatement.

(c) The person cited does not waive his or her request for a hearing to contest a citation by requesting an informal conference after which the citation is affirmed by the executive director. If the citation is dismissed after the informal conference, the request for a hearing on the matter of the citation shall be deemed to be withdrawn. If the citation, including any fine levied or order of abatement, is modified, the citation originally issued shall be considered withdrawn and a new citation issued. If a hearing is requested for the subsequent citation, it shall be requested within 30 calendar days in accordance with subdivision (b)(4) of Section 125.9 of the code.