General duties. An Administrative Hearing Officer has the duty to: conduct a fair and impartial hearing; take all necessary action to avoid delay in the disposition of proceedings; maintain order; and ensure the hearing provides fundamental fairness. General powers. An Administrative Hearing Officer has all powers necessary to these ends, including the power to: administer oaths and affirmations; issue discovery orders and rule on objections to those orders; receive evidence and rule on offers of proof; regulate the course of the hearing and the conduct of the parties and their representatives; hold conferences for simplification of issues or for any other proper purposes; interrogate witnesses; consider and rule on all procedural and other motions, including requests for adjournment; and make and file recommended decisions and orders.