(a) The formal rules of evidence do not apply to adjudicatory hearings or proceedings conducted pursuant to these rules. However, the rules of privilege recognized by law shall be given effect. Objections to evidentiary offers may be made and shall be a part of the record. Subject to these rules, any party may, for the purpose of expediting the hearing or proceeding and when the interests of the parties will not be substantially prejudiced thereby, submit all or part of the evidence in written form.

(b) The hearing officer may exclude irrelevant or unduly repetitive evidence or cross-examination from any hearing or proceeding.

(c) The burden of proof shall be on the party who initiated the hearing or proceeding, unless otherwise provided by statute.

(d) No decision or determination by the hearing officer, the executive director, or the commission shall be made except on consideration of the record as a whole, or such portions thereof as may be cited by any party to the hearing or proceeding and as supported by and in accordance with substantial evidence.

(e) Each party shall have the right of cross-examination.

(f) Official notice may be taken of all facts of which judicial notice may be taken and of other facts within the specialized knowledge of the commission. When official notice is taken, every party shall be given notice thereof and shall, on timely request, be afforded an opportunity prior to decision to dispute the fact or its materiality.

(g) All findings of fact shall be based exclusively on the evidence in the record and on matters officially noticed.