Section 2605.210  Hearing Officer Duties

a)         The Hearing Officer shall:

1)         Conduct a fair and impartial Administrative Hearing; and

2)         Take all necessary action to avoid delay, maintain order, and insure development of a clear and complete record.

b)         The Hearing Officer shall have all powers necessary to conduct the Administrative Hearing as provided in this Part, including but not limited to the power to:

1)         Administer oaths and affirmations;

2)         Regulate the course of the Administrative Hearing; set the time and place for continued hearings; fix the time for submitting documents; provide for the taking of testimony by deposition, if necessary; and generally conduct the proceedings according to generally recognized principles of administrative law and this Part;

3)         Dispose of procedural requests or similar matters;

4)         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;

5)         Rule upon offers of proof; receive relevant evidence; and determine what evidence is admissible;

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

7)         Make rulings on motions and objections;

8)         Consider all relevant facts and circumstances;

9)         Enter any order that further carries out the purpose of this Part;

10)         Compile a record of the proceedings in compliance with IAPA Section 10-35;

11)         Submit Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law to the parties at the conclusion of the Administrative Hearing; and

12)         Render a Final Decision where the Director delegates that authority at the time of the Hearing Officer's appointment and/or retainment.