<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".16" citation="COMAR 13B.04.01.16" title_num="13B" subtitle_num="04" chapter_num="01" heading="Conduct of Hearings.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>On a genuine issue in a contested case, each party is entitled to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Call witnesses;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Offer evidence, including rebuttal evidence;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Cross-examine opposing witnesses; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Make opening and closing statements.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Telephone Hearings.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Secretary or the Commission, as appropriate, may conduct all or part of the hearing by telephone, video conferencing, or other electronic means.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>For good cause, a party may object to the holding of a hearing by telephone, video conferencing, or other electronic means.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>All substantive and procedural rights apply to telephone, video, or other electronic hearings, subject only to the limitations of the physical arrangement.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Documentary Evidence. For a telephone hearing, documentary evidence to be offered shall be provided by all parties so that it is received by each party and the Secretary or the Commission, whichever is presiding at the hearing, at least 5 days before the hearing.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Default. For a telephone hearing, the following may be considered a failure to appear and grounds for a default:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Failure to answer the telephone;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Failure to free the telephone for a hearing; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Any other failure to be ready to proceed with the hearing as scheduled.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Order of Proceedings.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Secretary or the Commission, as appropriate, shall explain briefly the purpose and nature of the hearing.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The Secretary or the Commission, as appropriate, may allow the parties to present preliminary matters.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The Secretary or the Commission, as appropriate, shall state the order of presentation of evidence.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Witnesses shall be sworn or put under affirmation to tell the truth.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>