Conduct and Record of a Hearing

20.7 - Conduct and Record of a Hearing (Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) The hearing is open to the parties and the public. The hearing officer will inquire fully into all the matters at issue, receive in evidence the testimony of witnesses and any documents that are relevant and material. If any party objects to the inclusion of any document as evidence, the hearing officer hears the objections. The MAO bears the burden of going forward and must first present evidence and argument before CMS presents its evidence and argument. A complete record of the proceedings at the hearing is made and transcribed and made available to all parties upon request. A party requesting the transcribed record must pay for its transcription and reproduction. The record may not be closed until a hearing decision has been issued.