Section 2402.140  Authority of a Hearing Officer

The Hearing Officer has the authority to conduct a hearing, take all necessary action to avoid delay, maintain order, and insure the development of clear and complete record.  He shall have all powers necessary to conduct a hearing including the power to:

a)         Administer oaths and affirmations;

b)         Regulate the course of hearings, set the time and place for continued hearings, fix time for filing of documents, provide for the taking of testimony by deposition if necessary, and generally conduct the proceeding according to generally recognized administrative law and this Rule.

c)         Examine witnesses and direct witnesses to testify, limit the number of times any witness may testify, limit repetitious or cumulative testimony, and set reasonable limits on the amount of time each witness may testify;

d)         Rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;

e)         Sign and issue subpoenas that require attendance, giving testimony and the production of books, papers and other documentary evidence;

f)         Direct parties to appear and confer for the settlement or simplification of issues, and to otherwise conduct prehearing conferences;

g)         Dispose of procedural requests or similar matters;

h)         Render Findings of Fact, Opinions and Recommendations for an Order of the Director; and

i)          Enter any Order that further carries out the purpose of this Rule.