Hearing Officer.

The Hearing Officer: (a) Is responsible for the administrative preparations for the hearing; (b) Convenes the hearing as soon as is reasonable; (c) Administers oaths and affirmations; (d) Issues subpoenas, at the request of either party or on the Hearing Officer's motion; (e) Rules on offers of proof and receives relevant evidence; (f) Takes depositions or has depositions taken when the ends of justice would be served; (g) Conducts the hearing in a manner which is fair and impartial; (h) Holds conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues by consent of the parties; (i) Disposes of procedural requests or similar matters; (j) Requires production of documents; and (k) Makes an initial decision under § 824.13.