(a) A hearing shall be conducted by videoconference, unless a hearing officer determines at the hearing officer’s discretion, or upon a finding of good cause based upon an application submitted in accordance with subdivision (b) of this section, to conduct a hearing where all or some of the parties, witnesses, and the hearing officer are physically present at the same location. When a hearing is conducted by videoconference, the parties, witnesses, and the hearing officer do not need to be physically present at the same location.

(b) A party may object to a hearing being conducted by videoconference by sending a written notice of the objection to the hearing officer by first class mail, overnight mail, or electronic mail to an address designated by the department and posted on the department’s website. The written notice of objection must be received by the hearing officer at least five calendar days prior to the return date set forth in the notice of action or proposed action that was served or issued by a party as provided in Financial Services Law section 304.

(c) The hearing officer may determine not to conduct a hearing or any portion thereof, or not to have a party or witness testify, by videoconference upon a finding that a timely written objection to conducting a hearing pursuant to this Part by videoconference submitted in accordance with subdivision (b) of this section establishes that:

(d) All provisions of this Part that are not inconsistent with the specific provisions of this section shall apply to hearings conducted by videoconference. For purposes of section 2.14(b) of this Part, the term hearing room shall mean videoconference when a hearing is conducted by videoconference.