Ex Parte Communications

The Hearing Officer shall not consider any evidence, whether written or oral, regarding any matter at issue in a Fair Hearing, unless such submission is part of the record or made in the presence of all parties. No person, other than the Director of Fair Hearings or designee, shall communicate directly or indirectly with the Hearing Officer about a pending matter from the time the hearing is requested until such time as a final agency decision is rendered unless such communication is in the presence of all the parties or submitted in writing with copies to all parties, except that the Commissioner or designee may discuss with the Hearing Officer or the Director of Fair Hearings any decision he or she is reviewing.