The presiding officer shall have authority to:

(1) Determine the order of presentation of evidence;

(2) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(3) Issue subpoenas pursuant to RCW 34.05.446;

(4) Rule on procedural matters, objections, and motions;

(5) Rule on motions for summary judgment;

(6) Rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;

(7) Pursuant to RCW 34.05.449(5), close parts of a hearing to public observation or order the exclusion of witnesses upon a showing of good cause;

(8) Interrogate witnesses called by the parties in an impartial manner to develop any facts deemed necessary to fairly and adequately decide the matter;

(9) Call additional witnesses and request additional exhibits deemed necessary to complete the record and receive such evidence subject to full opportunity for cross-examination and rebuttal by all parties;

(10) Take official notice of facts pursuant to RCW 34.05.452(5);

(11) Regulate the course of the hearing and take any appropriate action necessary to maintain order during the hearing;

(12) Permit or require oral argument or briefs and determine the time limits for submission thereof;

(13) Issue an order of default pursuant to RCW 34.05.440;

(14) Hold prehearing conferences;

(15) Appoint a mediator or serve as mediator, provided that after serving as mediator, the presiding officer shall not conduct the hearing or issue a decision on the matter unless the parties specifically waive any objections to doing so;

(16) Take any other action necessary and authorized by any applicable statute or rule; and

(17) Waive any requirement of these rules unless a party shows that it would be prejudiced by such a waiver.

PDFWAC 10-08-200

Adjudicative proceedings—Presiding officer.