Conduct of the Hearing

The Hearing Officer will preside at the hearing and will decide any preliminary motions and the order of presentation of evidence. The initial burden of proof to establish a case will be on the Appellant. The parties, or their representatives, shall indicate in advance the number and where possible the names of witnesses to be called and the likely time estimated to be needed in order to have a final determination of all issues in dispute. The Hearing Officer has exclusive authority and complete responsibility for the conduct of the hearing as well as any pre-hearing proceedings. The Secretary of Elder Affairs has sole authority to make the final administrative decision.