§ 13.37 Hearing officer: Assignment and powers.

As soon as practicable after the filing of the complaint, the Director of the Office of Adjudication will assign a hearing officer to preside over the matter. The hearing officer may—

(a) Give notice concerning, and hold, prehearing conferences and hearings;

(b) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(c) Examine witnesses;

(d) Adopt procedures for the submission of evidence in written form;

(e) Issue subpoenas;

(f) Rule on offers of proof;

(g) Receive evidence;

(h) Regulate the course of proceedings, including but not limited to discovery, motions practice, imposition of sanctions, and the hearing;

(i) Hold conferences, before and during the hearing, to settle and simplify issues by consent of the parties;

(j) Dispose of procedural requests and similar matters;

(k) Issue protective orders governing the exchange and safekeeping of information otherwise protected by law, except that national security information may not be disclosed under such an order;

(l) Issue orders and decisions, and make findings of fact, as appropriate; and

(m) Take any other action authorized by this subpart.