§ 405.1030 ALJ hearing procedures.

(a) General rule. A hearing is open to the parties and to other persons the ALJ considers necessary and proper.

(b) At the hearing. (1) At the hearing, the ALJ fully examines the issues, questions the parties and other witnesses, and may accept evidence that is material to the issues consistent with §§ 405.1018 and 405.1028.

(2) The ALJ may limit testimony and/or argument at the hearing that are not relevant to an issue before the ALJ, that are repetitive of evidence or testimony already in the record, or that relate to an issue that has been sufficiently developed or on which the ALJ has already ruled. The ALJ may, but is not required to, provide the party or representative with an opportunity to submit additional written statements and affidavits on the matter, in lieu of testimony and/or argument at the hearing. The written statements and affidavits must be submitted within the time frame designated by the ALJ.