The officer designated:

(a) To preside at a hearing, or,

(b) To make findings of fact and conclusions of law if an applicant or recipient waives a hearing and submits written information or argument for the record in accordance with §4.51(d), shall render an initial decision on the record, or, if the Commission so directs, shall certify the entire record to the Commission for decision, together with a recommended decision on the record. A copy of such initial decision, or of such certification and recommended decision, shall be mailed to the applicant or recipient.