Section 340.1725e. Hearing officer or state reviewing official; duties and authority.

Rule 25e. (1) The hearing  officer  or  state  reviewing                                  official    has the authority to do all of the following:

(a)   Administer oaths and affirmations.

(b)   Sign  and  issue  subpoenas   requiring  the  attendance   and     giving of testimony by witnesses and the production of documents.

(c)   Provide for the taking of testimony.

(d)   Require a prehearing conference, if appropriate,   to      consider      and take action regarding any of the following:

(i)   The formulation and simplification of the issues.

(ii)   Admissions of fact and documents that will avoid unnecessary testimony.

(iii)    The need and scheduling for the filing  of  motions,   briefs,     and dates for further conferences and the hearing.

(iv)    Settlement, which may include encouraging    the    use    of    mediation    or other alternative dispute resolution options.

(v)   The filing and disposition of requests or motions.

(vi)       Establishing    a   reasonable    limit   on      the     time       allowed      for presenting evidence.

(vii)   Other matters as may facilitate the disposition of the hearing.

(e)   Control the conduct of parties or participants in  the    hearing      for the purpose of assuring an orderly procedure.

(f)  Grant a specific extension of time at the request of    either    party for good cause.

(2)   The hearing officer shall disclose to both parties any relationship of a professional or personal nature that might have a  bearing  on  the hearing officer's ability to conduct a fair hearing or render an impartial decision and shall consider motions to disqualify himself or herself.

(3)   The hearing officer may admit and consider  evidence  of  a  type commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent persons in the conduct of their affairs. Irrelevant, immaterial, and unduly repetitious evidence may be  excluded. Effect shall be given to the rules of privilege recognized by law.

History: 1987 AACS; 1994 AACS; 2002 AACS.