(a)
The appeals board acting as a whole may, by notice mailed to the director and the parties prior to the mailing of an administrative law judge’s decision on an appeal or petition under this division pending before any administrative law judge, on its own motion either:
(1)
Transfer the proceedings to another administrative law judge; or
(2)
Remove the proceedings to itself for review and decision.
(b)
If the appeals board removes any proceedings to itself for review and decision pursuant to this section, the appeals board may order the taking of additional evidence and may affirm, reverse, modify, or set aside any findings or action of the department from which the appeal or petition to the administrative law judge was taken in the proceedings. The appeals board shall promptly notify the department and the parties to the proceedings of its order or decision.