(b) The presiding officer shall have authority to:

1. (1) Administer oaths and affirmations;
2. (2) Examine witnesses;
3. (3) Rule upon offers of proof, admissibility of evidence, and matters of procedure;
4. (4) Order any pleading amended upon motion of a party at any time prior to the close of the hearing;
5. (5) Maintain discipline and decorum and exclude from the hearing any person acting in an inappropriate manner;
6. (6) Require the filing of briefs or memoranda of law on any matter upon which he or she is required to rule;
7. (7) Order prehearing conferences for the purpose of the settlement or simplification of issues by the parties;
8. (8) Order the proceeding reopened at any time prior to his or her decision for the receipt of additional evidence;
9. (9) Render an initial decision, which becomes the final agency decision unless a timely appeal is taken, except that the Judicial Officer may issue a tentative or a final decision;
10. (10) Rule on motion by either party, or on his or her own initiative, for a determination on the written record in lieu of an oral hearing in his or her sole discretion;
11. (11) Rule on motion by either party, or on his or her own initiative, to permit a hearing to be conducted by telephone, video conference, or other appropriate means;
12. (12) Rule upon applications and requests filed under §§ 952.19 and 952.21; and
13. (13) Exercise all other authority conferred upon the presiding officer by the Administrative Procedure Act or other applicable law.