(a) Regional Director investigation. The Regional Director will investigate the petition and any other matter as the Regional Director deems necessary.

(b) Regional Director notice of hearing. The Regional Director will issue a notice of hearing to inquire into any matter about which a material issue of fact exists, and any time there is reasonable cause to believe a question exists regarding unit appropriateness.

(c) Regional Director action. After investigation or hearing, the Regional Director can direct an election, or approve an election agreement, or issue a Decision and Order.

(d) Appeal of Regional Director Decision and Order. A party may file with the Authority an application for review of a Regional Director Decision and Order.

(e) Contents of the Record. When there has not been a hearing all material submitted to and considered by the Regional Director during the investigation becomes a part of the record. When a hearing has been held, the transcript and all material entered into evidence, including any posthearing briefs, become a part of the record.