(1) At the conclusion of a hearing, a hearings examiner or the personnel appeals board may require post-hearing briefs.

(2) A hearings examiner may affirm, reverse or modify an action of an agency.

(3) The personnel appeals board may affirm, reverse or modify the action of an agency or the recommended decision of a hearings examiner or remand the matter for further proceedings before the hearings examiner.

(4) When a hearings examiner or the personnel appeals board reduces a dismissal to a suspension, the period of suspension is not limited by RCW 41.06.170(1).