Conduct of Oral Proceeding

Conduct of Oral Proceeding. The presiding officer shall have authority to conduct the proceeding in his or her discretion for the orderly conduct of the proceeding. The presiding officer shall (i) call proceeding to order; (ii) give a brief synopsis of the proposed rule, a statement of the statutory authority for the proposed rule, and the reasons provided by the Department for the proposed rule; (ii) call on those individuals who have contacted the Department about speaking on or against the proposed rule; (iii) allow for rebuttal statements following all participants’ comments; (iv) adjourn the proceeding. The presiding officer, where time permits and to facilitate the exchange of information, may open the floor to questions or general discussion. The presiding officer may question participants and permit the questioning of participants by other participants about any matter relating to that rule- making proceeding, including any prior written submissions made by those participants in that proceeding; but no participant shall be required to answer any question.