Section 161.4.15. Powers of presiding officer.

The presiding officer who presides at the hearing shall have all powers necessary to the conduct of a fair and impartial hearing including, but not limited to, the power to:

        1.            Conduct formal hearings in accordance with the provisions of this chapter;

        2.            Administer oaths and examine witnesses;

        3.            Compel the production of documents and appearance of witnesses in control of the parties;

        4.            Issue subpoenas;

        5.            Issue decisions and orders;

        6.            Rule on motions, and other procedural items or matters pending before the presiding officer;

        7.            Require the submission of briefs;

        8.            Issue such orders and rulings as will ensure the orderly conduct of the proceedings;

        9.            Receive, rule on, exclude or limit evidence and limit lines of questioning or testimony which are irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious;

        10.           Maintain the decorum of the hearing including the power to refuse to admit or to expel anyone whose conduct is disorderly;

        11.           Take any action authorized by these rules;

        12.           Impose appropriate sanctions against any party or person failing to obey an order under these rules which may include:

        ●             Refusing to allow the disobedient party to support or oppose designated claims or defenses, or prohibiting the party from introducing designated matters in evidence;

        ●             Excluding all testimony of an unresponsive or evasive witness, or determining that the answer of such witness, if given, would be unfavorable to the party, if any, having control over the witness; and

        ●             Expelling any party or person from further participation in the hearing.