The Commissioner of Labor and Industry, or the Commissioner's designee, shall be the hearing officer. The hearing officer shall: Call the title of the case; Briefly explain the purpose and nature of the hearing; Administer the oath to all persons who are summoned or intend to testify; and Receive any stipulations entered into by the parties. Counsel or any party may address any preliminary matter, exception, or motion. The following exhibits shall be introduced: If the hearing officer is the Commissioner's designee, a copy of the letter designating the individual to preside at the hearing; A copy of the petition, complaint, or other matter involved in the hearing; and A copy of the notice of hearing sent to each party. Subject to applicable statutes and rules governing the practice of law, each party or counsel representing a party may: Call witnesses; Offer evidence, including rebuttal evidence; Cross-examine witnesses; and Present argument and summation. The hearing officer may question any witness. The rules of evidence of the Administrative Procedure Act—Contested Cases, State Government Article, §10-208, Annotated Code of Maryland, shall apply. The hearing officer's decision shall include: Findings of fact based on the evidence presented; Conclusions of law applying the law to the factual findings; and An order disposing of the case. The hearing officer shall promptly deliver or mail a copy of the decision to each party or the party's attorney of record. State Government Article, §10-204; Labor and Employment Article, §2-106(a);Education Article, §16-510.1; Annotated Code of Maryland Effective date: April 20, 1979 (6:8 Md. R. 655) Regulation .01 repealed and new Regulation .01 adopted effective December 14, 1987 (14:25 Md. R. 2659)