Evidence In Hearings; Examination And Cross Examination

(1) In all hearings of the Department, the testimony of witnesses shall be taken in open hearings, except as otherwise provided by these rules. In the discretion of the Commissioner or Hearing Examiner, witnesses may be excluded prior to the testimony. (2) Subject to the provisions of T.C.A. § 4-5-109, each party shall have the right to present his case by oral and documentary evidence, to submit rebuttal evidence, and to conduct cross examination into all relevant and material matters, whether or not such matters were covered in the examination in chief, as may be required for a full and true disclosure of the facts.