Section 200.904  Hearing Officer; Powers and Duties

a)         The Hearing Officer designated to preside over a hearing shall take all necessary action to avoid delay, to maintain order, and to develop a clear and complete record, and shall have all powers necessary and appropriate to conduct a fair hearing, including the following:

1)         To administer oaths and affirmations;

2)         To receive relevant evidence;

3)         To regulate the course of the hearing and the conduct of the parties and their counsel therein;

4)         To consider and rule upon procedural requests;

5)         To hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues; and

6)         To examine witnesses and direct witnesses to testify, limit the number of times any witness may testify, limit repetitive or cumulative testimony and set reasonable limits on the amount of time each witness may testify.

b)         All participants in the hearing shall have the right to be represented by counsel, or by some other authorized representative.

c)         The Hearing Officer shall allow all parties to present statements, testimony, evidence and argument as may be relevant to the proceeding.