Director to conduct hearing

The director may designate a hearing officer to conduct the hearing. The director or the director's hearing officer has the authority to call and examine witnesses, to examine records and other evidence, and to administer oaths to witnesses. The director and the director's hearing officers have the authority to issue subpoenas on behalf of the department or upon the request of a party to the hearing, compelling the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of documents or other items described in the subpoena. The issuance of a subpoena for the production of documents will be made only upon the submission of written justification for such documents. Witness fees, mileage, and related costs are payable at the rate payable in district court. The witness fees, mileage, and related costs are to be paid by the party requesting the witness's appearance, or the department if it requests the appearance.