495—26.27 (17A,97B) Hearing decision. Following the conclusion of a hearing of an appeal, the administrative law judge within the department of inspections and appeals shall announce the findings of fact and conclusion of law and issue a written decision. The decision shall be signed by the administrative law judge, and filed with IPERS, with a copy mailed to the appellant. This decision shall be deemed final unless, within 30 days after the issuance date of such decision, further appeal is initiated. The issuance date is the date that the decision is signed by the administrative law judge.