(a) Each party shall have the right to be represented by counsel.

(b) Upon request of any party, the hearing officer may permit discovery which shall be limited to the production of documents and other tangible things.

(c) Any party may request that the hearing officer recuse themself from the proceeding when the party believes that the hearing officer has a conflict of interest which would render them unable to provide a fair and impartial recommendation to the commissioner. The hearing officer’s recusal determination shall be final. If a hearing officer recuses themselves, the commissioner shall appoint a new hearing officer and promptly reschedule the hearing.

(d) Each party shall have the right to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses.