199—7.3 (17A,476) Presiding officers. Presiding officers may be designated by the board to preside over contested cases and conduct hearings and shall have the following authority, unless otherwise ordered by the board:
	  1. 	 To regulate the course of hearings;
	  2. 	 To administer oaths and affirmations;
	  3. 	 To rule upon the admissibility of evidence and offers of proof;
	  4. 	 To take or cause depositions to be taken;
	  5. 	 To dispose of procedural matters, discovery disputes, motions to dismiss, and other motions which may involve final determination of proceedings, subject to review by the board on its own motion or upon application by any party;
	  6. 	 To certify any question to the board, in the discretion of the presiding officer or upon direction of the board;
	  7. 	 To permit and schedule the filing of written briefs;
	  8. 	 To hold appropriate conferences before, during, or after hearings;
	  9. 	 To render a proposed decision and order in a contested case proceeding, investigation, or other hearing, subject to review by the board on its own motion or upon application by any party; and
	  10. 	 To take any other action necessary or appropriate to the discharge of duties vested in the presiding officer, consistent with law and with the rules and orders of the board.