Reopening Prior to Decision

After the close of the hearing and prior to a decision, the hearing officer, if he or she finds it necessary, may reopen the record or, if appropriate, the hearing to consider additional testimony, evidence, materials or legal rules before making a decision. If this procedure is elected, the hearing officer must give ten days' written notice to all parties of the reopening together with the reasons for the action. The notice must include the date, time and place of the resumed hearing, which shall be held at a location accessible to the appellant. Prior to a hearing decision, any party to a hearing may request in writing that the hearing officer exercise this power and the request shall become part of the record.