Section 176.540  Evidence

a)         Irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded. The rules of evidence and privilege as applied in civil cases in the circuit courts of Illinois shall be followed. However, evidence not admissible under such rules of evidence may be admitted (except where precluded by statute) if it is of a type commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent persons in the conduct of their affairs. [5 ILCS 100/10-40]

b)         When objection is made to the admissibility of evidence, the Hearing Officer shall either receive the disputed evidence subject to ruling at a later time, or may exclude the evidence at that time. A party offering evidence that is ruled inadmissible shall be permitted to make a brief offer of proof.

c)         Writings shall be legible and exhibits shall be plainly marked and identified. The hearing record shall reflect the identity of the party offering an exhibit and shall indicate whether it was admitted into evidence.