Posthearing briefs and proposed findings

At the conclusion of the hearing, any party may request an opportunity to submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law and briefs. The hearing officer may direct the parties to submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law and briefs. The hearing officer shall fix the time for filing and service and the order of filing, and may direct that briefs be filed simultaneously or sequentially. When it is ordered that proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law and briefs be filed and served by the party initiating the proceeding, and that party fails to comply, the hearing officer may recommend to the agency head that the proceeding be dismissed. Briefs may not incorporate evidentiary materials through appendices or other attachments unless those items were received in evidence during the course of the hearing.