1. (a) Where good cause appears and justice requires, the presiding officer may, sua sponte or upon application by a party, permit deviation from these rules, except where precluded by statute.
2. (b) Each party shall be given the opportunity to object to any deviation from these rules and may, at the presiding officer's discretion, be permitted to file a written objection after which the presiding officer shall render a written decision.
3. (c) These rules shall be construed liberally by the Commissioner, his designee, and the presiding officer to secure a just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of the issues presented at a hearing on the record or during an informal or formal conference.

(Effective January 19, 1996)