Section 200.100  Hearing Officer

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)