Designation and Authority of Hearing Officer

Designation and Authority of Hearing Officer. If a public hearing is requested, the Department shall designate an independent hearing officer who shall not be an employee of the Department and who shall be a licensed attorney in the State of Mississippi. A public hearing shall be commenced by the designated hearing officer within sixty (60) calendar days of the filing of the hearing request unless all parties agree to extend the time for commencement. A hearing officer may: 1. Administer oaths and affirmations; 2. Establish schedules; 3. Conduct pre-hearing conferences; 4. Rule upon procedural matters; 5. Regulate the course of proceedings; 6. Receive evidence; 7. Rule upon evidentiary issues; 8. Establish deadlines; 9. Issue procedural orders; 10. Encourage stipulations; 11. Address discovery matters authorized by law; and 12. Take all actions necessary for the orderly conduct of proceedings. The hearing officer shall have authority to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant documents and things.