Section 500.570  Authority of Hearing Officer

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

a)         administer oaths and affirmations;

b)         direct and regulate the course of hearings, set the time and place for continued hearings, fix times for filing of documents, provide for the taking of testimony by deposition if necessary and generally conduct the proceedings according to generally recognized administrative law and this Subpart;

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 in accordance with Section 10-40 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act [5 ILCS 100/10-40];

e)         sign and issue subpoenas that require 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; and,

h)         render the Hearing Officer's report to the Board.