(a) No license, permit, or certificate or other similar right shall be revoked or suspended without opportunity for a hearing as provided in Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act." Any such hearing or appeal related thereto shall be conducted in accordance with such Act.

(b) The department is authorized and empowered to employ and appoint hearing examiners to conduct hearings, issue compulsory process, administer oaths, and submit their findings and recommendations to the appointing agency; provided, however, that any such examiner shall be a member of the State Bar of Georgia in good standing.