410.640—Conduct of hearing.

Hearings shall be open to the parties and to such other persons as the Administrative Law Judge deems necessary and proper. The Administrative Law Judge shall inquire fully into the matters at issue and shall receive in evidence the testimony of witnesses and any documents which are relevant and material to such matters. If the Administrative Law Judge believes that there is relevant and material evidence available which has not been presented at the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge may adjourn the hearing or, at any time prior to the mailing of notice of the decision, reopen the hearing for the receipt of such evidence. The order in which evidence and allegations shall be presented and the procedure at the hearing generally, except as these regulations otherwise expressly provide, shall be in the discretion of the Administrative Law Judge and of such nature as to afford the parties a reasonable opportunity for a fair hearing.