- a) When a Preliminary Order and Notice of Opportunity for Hearing is issued and a hearing is requested, the Director of the Agency shall designate a hearing officer to preside at the formal administrative hearing.
- b) The appointed hearing officer shall not have direct involvement with the case or have an interest in the decision to be reached. Mere familiarity with the facts shall not disqualify a hearing officer.
- c) The hearing officer shall have the duty to conduct a fair hearing, to maintain order, to ensure development of a clear and complete record, and to submit a written report to the Director for the Director's decision.
d) In addition to other authority provided in this Part, the hearing officer shall have the authority to:
- 1) Direct the parties to meet in an informal conference in accordance with Section 200.120;
- 2) Administer oaths;
- 3) Receive evidence and rule upon the admissibility of oral testimony and other evidence;
- 4) Examine witnesses for the purpose of clarifying the record;
- 5) Consider and rule upon motions in accordance with Section 200.80.
(Source: Amended at 33 Ill. Reg. 14137, effective September 28, 2009)