12.70—Authority of presiding officer.
The presiding officer has all powers necessary to conduct a fair, expeditious, and orderly hearing, including the power to—
(b)
Establish the procedures for use in developing evidentiary facts, including the procedures in § 12.92(b) and to rule on the need for oral testimony and cross-examination under § 12.87(b) ;
(d)
Hold conferences to settle, simplify, or determine the issues in a hearing or to consider other matters that may expedite the hearing;
(l)
Conduct the hearing in stages if the number of parties is large or the issues are numerous and complex;
(m)
Waive, suspend, or modify any rule in this subpart under § 10.19 if the presiding officer determines that no party will be prejudiced, the ends of justice will be served, and the action is in accordance with law;
(n)
Strike the participation of any person under § 12.45(e) or exclude any person from the hearing under § 12.90, or take other reasonable disciplinary action; and