(a) The hearing officer shall fix the time from the date the hearing transcript becomes available, within which the parties may provide the hearing officer with written memoranda in support of their positions.

(b) Within 20 days of the date fixed for submission of written memoranda, the hearing officer shall submit a final report of findings and recommendations to the commissioner with the entire record of the hearing.

(c) The commissioner shall render a final decision in writing within 10 days of receipt of the hearing officer's report. In the event that the commissioner renders a final decision that conflicts with the hearing officer's recommendations, the commissioner shall set forth the reasons for the decision.