Section 166.230  Hearing Officer

a)         The Hearing Officer shall be designated by the Director of the Agency.

b)         The Hearing Officer shall have all authority necessary to conduct a fair and orderly hearing including, but not limited to, the power to:

1)         Schedule the hearing, depositions and prehearing conferences;

2)         Rule on motions and requests;

3)         Administer oaths and affirmations;

4)         Rule or reserve ruling on the admissibility of evidence offered and amendments to pleadings;

5)         Establish the time for making written submissions and closure of the record; and

6)         Impose sanctions in accordance with Section166.295 of this Subpart.

7)         The Hearing Officer may ask any questions of the parties to assure a full and complete record.