<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" citation="COMAR 31.02.01.08" title_num="31" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="01" heading="Conduct of Hearing — Proposed Examination Reports.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Scope. This regulation applies to a hearing on a proposed examination report.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Burden of Proof. At a hearing under this regulation:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The proposed examination report is part of the record; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The party that requested the hearing on the proposed examination report has the burden of going forward and the burden of proving its exceptions to the proposed examination report.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Rights of Parties.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Subject to §C(2) of this regulation, the hearing officer shall allow a party to a hearing under this regulation to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Appear in person and be represented by counsel;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Be present while evidence is given;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Have reasonable opportunity to:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Inspect all documentary evidence that is offered for introduction into the record; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Examine witnesses during the course of the hearing; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Present evidence.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The hearing officer shall conduct the hearing and allow the case to proceed in a manner necessary to ensure the fair resolution of the issues including, but not limited to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Placing reasonable limitations on the number of witnesses a party may call;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Excluding evidence that is repetitive, irrelevant, immaterial, or otherwise not probative; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Ruling on all procedural matters, including motions, objections, and offers of proof.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Formal rules of pleading or evidence need not be observed at a hearing under provisions of this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Representation of the Administration.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Commissioner may designate an attorney to represent the Administration.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Once the record is closed by the hearing officer, the attorney who represented the Administration may not have a further role in the decision process of the Administration.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Motion for Summary Decision.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A party may move for summary decision on any appropriate issue in the case.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A hearing officer may grant a proposed or final summary decision if the hearing officer finds that:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>There is no genuine issue of material fact; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A party is entitled to prevail as a matter of law.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>The Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure may be used as a guide for resolving issues regarding the conduct of the hearing.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>