(1) Each hearing shall be conducted by a hearing officer designated by the superintendent.

(2) Hearing officers may not preside over a hearing when they are related to the incarcerated individual, witness, victim, or infracting officer, or have direct personal involvement in the infraction under consideration. For purposes of this section, direct personal involvement means knowledge or interest acquired through witnessing, investigating, or directly participating in the incident under consideration. This rule shall not preclude hearing officer participation where the hearing officer has acquired knowledge of the incident as part of regular facility responsibilities.

(3) Hearing officers may disqualify themselves or may be disqualified by the superintendent if biased for or against any incarcerated individual so that they cannot render a fair and impartial decision in the hearing.