(a) Except under extraordinary circumstances, as found by the Commissioner or administrative law judge, direct testimony shall be given in writing and shall not be delivered orally. Where a party has shown that the purposes of the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code section 11500 et seq., would be frustrated by requiring it to provide a witness' testimony in writing, that witness shall be permitted to give that witness' direct testimony orally.

(b) The Commissioner or administrative law judge may limit the time for oral examination, may curtail repetitive arguments, and may require persons representing common positions to coordinate their presentations and to designate a common representative. In the interest of time, and consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code section 11500 et seq., the Commissioner or administrative law judge may require matters to be submitted in writing in lieu of oral proceedings. Where necessary to a timely decision, the Commissioner or administrative law judge may direct that oral examination of witnesses be conducted by deposition and introduced in the record in writing, subject to the objections of all parties.

(c) Any order to expedite proceedings, such as by simultaneous examination of witnesses by deposition rather than in the hearing, shall not be entered without first giving due consideration to the effects on parties that may lack the resources to participate on such an expedited basis.