11 NCAC 01 .0427             RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARTIES

(a)  A party may present evidence, rebuttal testimony, and argument with respect to the issues of law and policy, and cross‑examine witnesses, including the author of a document prepared by, on behalf of, or for use of the Department and offered in evidence.

(b)  A party shall have all evidence to be presented, both oral and written, available on the date for hearing. Requests for subpoenas, depositions, or continuances shall be made within a reasonable time after their needs become evident to the requesting party. In cases when the hearing time is expected to exceed one day, the parties shall be prepared to present their evidence at the date and time ordered by the hearing officer or agreed upon at a prehearing conference.

(c)  The hearing officer shall send copies of all orders or decisions to all parties simultaneously. Any party sending a letter, exhibit, brief, memorandum, or other document to the hearing officer shall simultaneously send a copy to all other parties.

(d)  All parties have the continuing responsibility to notify the hearing officer of their current addresses and telephone numbers.

(e)  A party need not be represented by an attorney unless the party is a corporate entity. A corporate entity shall not be represented by its President or other officers. If a party has notified other parties of that party's representation by an attorney, all communications shall be directed to that attorney.

(f)  With the approval of the hearing officer, any person may offer testimony or other evidence relevant to the case. Any nonparty offering testimony or other evidence may be questioned by parties to the case and by the hearing officer.

(g)  Before issuing a recommended decision, the hearing officer may order any party to submit proposed findings of fact and written arguments. Before issuing a final decision, the Commissioner may order any party to submit proposed findings of fact and written arguments.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 58-2-40(1); 58-2-50; 58-2-55; 58-2-70; 150B-38(h);

Eff. July 1, 1992;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2004;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. April 27, 2019.