The board shall render a decision within a reasonable time after the hearing or investigation. The adverse action taken by the appointing power shall stand unless modified or revoked by the board. If the board finds that the cause or causes for which the adverse action was imposed were insufficient or not sustained, or that the employee was justified in the course of conduct upon which the causes were based, it may modify or revoke the adverse action and it may order the employee returned to his or her position with appropriate restoration of backpay and lost benefits either as of the date of the adverse action or as of such later date as it may specify. The decision of the board shall be entered upon the minutes of the board and the official roster. In arriving at a decision, the board, in exercising its
discretion consistent with its authority under Section 3 of Article VII of the California Constitution, shall give consideration and respect to any applicable disciplinary criteria established pursuant to Section 19573.