B. In addition to any procedures described by the act, the following procedures shall apply:

1. (1) the appellant may present an opening statement on the merits and the appellee may make a statement of the defense or reserve the statement until presentation of its case;
2. (2) after the opening statements, if made, the appellant shall present its case in chief in support of its petition;
3. (3) upon conclusion of appellant’s case in chief, the appellee may move for dismissal of the petition. The hearing examiner may suspend the hearing and refer the motion to the board, which shall grant, deny, or reserve decision on the motion, with or without argument, as soon as practicable but in no event later than its next regularly scheduled board meeting;
4. (4) if no motion to dismiss is made, or if the board denies or reserves decision on the motion, the appellee shall present its case in defense;
5. (5) upon conclusion of the appellee’s case, the appellant may present rebuttal evidence;
6. (6) after presentation of the evidence by the parties, the appellant may present a closing argument. The appellee then may present its closing argument, and the appellant may present a rebuttal argument; and

7. (7) thereafter, the matter shall be submitted for recommendation by the hearing examiner.

   [12/31/98; 15.1.15.13 NMAC - Rn, 15 NMAC 1.15.13, 5/31/00; A, 5/14/04]