(1) The review judge has the same decision-making authority as an ALJ, but must consider the ALJ's opportunity to observe the witnesses.

(2) The review judge's order is the DEL final order in the case. If the review judge's final order upholds the department's adverse action, the appealing party must comply with the final order unless the appealing party obtains a stay of the effectiveness of the final order from the superior court after filing a petition for judicial review in accordance with WAC 170-03-0660.