(a) Within 30 days after issuance of the initial decision, either party may appeal the initial decision or any portion thereof to the Assistant Secretary. The opposing party shall have 20 days to respond.

(b) If an appeal is filed, the Assistant Secretary shall issue a final decision which shall be based solely on the record, or portions thereof cited by the parties to limit issues, and the appeal and response. The Assistant Secretary shall also decide whether to impose the proposed sanction or a lesser included sanction.

(c) If the final decision modifies or reverses the initial decision, it shall state findings of fact and conclusions of law which differ from the initial decision.