Certificates of need shall be issued by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of P.L. 1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.) and based upon criteria and standards therefor promulgated by the commissioner. The commissioner may approve or deny an application for a certificate of need. If an application is denied, the applicant may request a hearing pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). Requests for a hearing shall be made to the Department of Health and Senior Services within 30 days of receipt of notification of the commissioner's action. The department shall arrange within 60 days of a request, for a hearing and after such hearing the commissioner or his designee shall furnish the applicant in writing the hearing examiner's recommendations and reasons therefor. The commissioner within 30 days of receiving all appropriate hearing records shall make his determination, which shall be a final agency decision.
N.J.S. § 26:2H-9