Hearing officers should perform their duties diligently and competently. Hearing officers should know, and have the capacity to apply the applicable substantive and procedural law at issue in the hearing, including standards governing due process and evidence. Hearing officers should have the capacity to properly weigh evidence and assess the credibility of witnesses whether present in person for the hearing or appearing remotely via telephone, videoconference, or other equivalent electronic means. Hearing officers shall possess the writing skills necessary to craft legally competent and readable documents, including citation to legal authority and hearing record as necessary or appropriate. Hearing officers should be skilled in conducting hearings efficiently, fairly, developing an appropriate record, and maintaining good order during the proceeding. Hearing officer should regularly participate in, attend, or conduct continuing education and appropriate legal community outreach/service to improve their competency, to stay current in the knowledge of the law and the hearing process, and to remain engaged in the broader legal community.
N.M. Admin. Code § 22.600.2.11