(b) The hearing officer may

1. (1) hold prehearing conferences to settle, simplify, or identify the issues in a proceeding, or to consider other matters that may aid in the expeditious disposition of the proceeding;
2. (2) require parties to state their positions concerning the various issues in the proceeding;
3. (3) require parties to produce for examination those relevant witnesses and documents under their control;
4. (4) rule on motions and other procedural matters;
5. (5) regulate the course of the hearing and conduct of the participants;
6. (6) establish time limits for submission of motions or memoranda;

7. (7) impose appropriate sanctions against a person who fails to obey an order of the hearing officer, including

   1. (A) prohibiting the person from asserting or opposing designated claims or defenses or introducing designated matters into evidence;
   2. (B) excluding all testimony of an unresponsive or evasive witness; and
   3. (C) excluding a person from further participation in the hearing;
8. (8) take official notice of a material fact not appearing in evidence, if the fact is among the traditional matters subject to judicial notice;
9. (9) administer oaths or affirmations.