1. (a) The hearing officer is in charge of the proceedings.

2. (b) The hearing officer has the authority to:

   1. (1) administer oaths;
   2. (2) examine witnesses;
   3. (3) issue subpoenas and commissions; and
   4. (4) rule on the admissibility of evidence and amendments to pleadings.

3. (c) The hearing officer may also:

   1. (1) establish reasonable time limits for conducting hearings;
   2. (2) establish reasonable time limits for accepting requests for additional information; and
   3. (3) issue any intermediate orders.

4. (d) The hearing officer has the authority to issue any orders necessary to enforce rulings, including, but not limited to:

   1. (1) limiting evidence or witnesses;
   2. (2) limiting oral argument;
   3. (3) entering appropriate orders or default decisions on any issue; or
   4. (4) postponing, recessing or dismissing the hearing, with or without prejudice, except as limited by §148.8 of this title (relating to Withdrawal of Hearing Request).
5. (e) Upon a finding of good cause as determined by the hearing officer, the hearing officer may postpone, continue, or recess the hearing.
6. (f) Before or during a hearing, the hearing officer may call any witness or witnesses or request any party to call a witness or witnesses that the hearing officer believes are necessary.

Source Note:The provisions of this §148.17 adopted to be effective December 4, 1995, 20 TexReg 9706.