Section 824.10 - Hearing OfficerThe 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 .