The hearing officer:
  (1) administers oaths or affirmations;
  (2) ensures that all relevant issues are considered;
  (3) requests, receives, and includes in the record all evidence determined necessary to resolve the issues;
  (4) ensures an orderly hearing by regulating the conduct and course of the hearing;
  (5) orders an independent medical assessment or professional evaluation, if relevant and useful, from a source mutually satisfactory to the household and the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS);
  (6) makes the final administrative decision concerning the hearing in the name of DHS; and
  (7) requires the attendance of an agency representative, if necessary and appropriate.

Source Note: The provisions of this §357.524 adopted to be effective February 1, 1994, 18 TexReg 9857; transferred effective September 1, 2004, as published in the Texas Register September 17, 2004, 29 TexReg 9013