(a) The appellate panel may dismiss the appeal, affirm or modify the decision being reviewed, reverse the decision in whole or in part, order a new trial, or take any other action as the merits of the case and the interest of justice may require.
(b) The decision of the appellate panel shall be issued in writing. The appellate clerk shall send the original of the opinion and judgment to the lower court by certified mail. The lower court clerk shall serve all parties with a copy of the opinion and judgment and file an affidavit of service with the appellate clerk.