1. a) Pre-Hearing Conference – Optional. The purposes of which are set out in Section 130.1118 of this Part; and

2. b) Hearings

   1. 1) Preliminary matters – Motions, attempts to narrow issues or limit evidence;
   2. 2) Opening Statements – The party initiating the hearing proceeds first;
   3. 3) Case in Chief – Evidence and witnesses are presented by the party initiating the hearing. As a witness' testimony is completed, he or she is subject to cross-examination;
   4. 4) Defense (including affirmative defense) – Evidence and witnesses may be presented by the opposing parties;
   5. 5) Rebuttal;
   6. 6) Closing Statements – The party bearing the burden of proof proceeds first, then the opposing party, then a final reply by the party bearing the burden of proof; and
   7. 7) Hearing Officer's Report consisting of: a statement of matters officially noticed, proposed findings of fact, proposed conclusions of law, and proposed recommendation as to disposition by the hearing officer.

The sequence to be followed for each contested case is as follows:

(Source: Added at 14 Ill. Reg. 5188, effective March 26, 1990)