§ 458.76 Duties and powers of the Administrative Law Judge.

It shall be the duty of the Administrative Law Judge to inquire fully into the facts as they relate to the matter before him and to prepare, serve and submit his recommended decision and order pursuant to § 458.88. Upon assignment to him and before transfer of the case to the Administrative Review Board, the Administrative Law Judge shall have the authority to:

(a) Grant requests for appearance of witnesses or production of ducuments;

(b) Rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;

(c) Take or cause depositions to be taken whenever the ends of justice would be served thereby;