1613.1 Once the hearing examiner has been appointed by the Director, that hearing examiner shall be responsible for all matters pertaining to the hearing, including but not limited to, the following:

1. (a) Establishing a hearing file;
2. (b) Setting a date, time, and place for the hearing;
3. (c) Conducting the hearing in a fair and impartial manner;
4. (d) Making proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law; and
5. (e) Forwarding the proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to the Director for final decision.

1613.2 Prior to the hearing, the hearing examiner may meet with all parties, at a time certain, to ascertain whether there has been a settlement and to determine if the parties can stipulate to some of the facts and evidence so that only issues in dispute are contested at the hearing, thereby not unduly prolonging the hearing process.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 34 DCR 3165, 3172 (May 15, 1987).