(a) A judge or justice of any court for which a panel of judicial hearing officers has been established may recommend to the appropriate administrative judge, designated by the Chief Administrator, particular proceedings for reference to a judicial hearing officer. A judicial hearing officer shall be assigned to a particular proceeding by the administrative judge, in his or her discretion, upon consideration of all relevant factors, including the nature of the matter to be referred, the experience and expertise of the judicial hearing officer with respect to matters of that nature, the expected length and complexity of the matter and the availability of appropriations to pay for the services of the judicial hearing officer.

(b) The administrative judge may assign a judicial hearing officer to preside over a part of court as permitted by law for a specified period. The administrative judge, in making such an assignment, shall take into account the responsibilities of the part and the previous experience and expertise of the judicial hearing officer.

(c) The reference of a matter to a judicial hearing officer and the assignment thereto of the judicial hearing officer shall be in writing. The reference shall indicate the issues referred to such judicial hearing officer and set forth whether the judicial hearing officer is to hear and determine or hear and report or otherwise act in respect to the matter.

(d) The presiding justice of an appropriate appellate division may assign a judicial hearing officer on an appellate division panel to perform the functions of the preargument screening program of such appellate division, within the available appropriations as determined by the Chief Administrator.