LAC 33:I.311. Hearing Officers: Delegation of Authority

A. Unless otherwise directed by the secretary in writing, when hearing officers hired pursuant to R.S. 30:2018 are assigned a matter, they are hereby delegated the authority to perform the functions of the presiding officer and hearing officer as set forth in this Chapter, the Louisiana Environmental Quality Act, R.S. 30:2001 et seq., and the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq. Except as provided in Subsection B of this Section, hearing officers are authorized to conduct hearings, issue interlocutory rulings, make findings of fact and conclusions of law, and render decisions on the merits. B. In permit actions the hearing officers are authorized to conduct hearings, issue interlocutory rulings, and make findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations on the merits for submission to the administrative authority for a decision.