(a) The Presiding Officer shall close and certify the record of the adjudication promptly upon the completion of:

(1) Summary judgment proceedings,

(2) A hearing, if necessary,

(3) The submission of post hearing briefs, if any are ordered by the Presiding Officer, and

(4) The conclusion of oral arguments, if any are permitted by the Presiding Officer.

(b) The Presiding Officer shall issue an Initial Decision based on the certified record, and the decision shall be subject to appeal pursuant to §27.345.

(c) An Initial Decision shall become a final agency action on the expiration of the time for an Appeal pursuant to §27.345.