The Secretary may, in his discretion, appoint a hearing examiner who shall be empowered to subpoena witnesses and documents, administer oaths and affirmations, to examine witnesses under oath, to rule on evidentiary questions, to hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of issues by consent of the parties and to otherwise conduct hearings as provided in Section 5 of these rules.
W. Va. Code R. § 153-12-9