824.10—Hearing Officer.
The Hearing Officer:
(a)
Is responsible for the administrative preparations for the hearing;
(b)
Convenes the hearing as soon as is reasonable;
(c)
Administers oaths and affirmations;
(d)
Issues subpoenas, at the request of either party or on the Hearing Officer's motion;
(e)
Rules on offers of proof and receives relevant evidence;
(f)
Takes depositions or has depositions taken when the ends of justice would be served;
(g)
Conducts the hearing in a manner which is fair and impartial;
(h)
Holds conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues by consent of the parties;
(i)
Disposes of procedural requests or similar matters;
(j)
Requires production of documents; and
(k)
Makes an initial decision under § 824.13.