General rules

(a) Open hearing. The hearing shall be open to the public unless otherwise ordered by the Administrative Law Judge.

(b) Administrative Procedure Act. The hearing shall, to the extent practicable, be conducted in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 554-557, and other applicable provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.

(c) Rights of parties. A party shall have the right to appear at any hearing in person, by counsel, or by other representative; to examine and cross-examine witnesses; to introduce into the record documentary or other relevant evidence; and to submit rebuttal evidence, except that the participation of any party shall be limited to the extent prescribed by the Administrative Law Judge.

(d) Objections. Objections are oral or written complaints concerning the conduct of a hearing. Any objection not raised to the Administrative Law Judge shall be deemed waived.

(e) Oral argument. Any party shall be entitled, upon request, to a reasonable period prior to the close of the hearing for oral argument, which shall be included in the official transcript of the hearing.

(f) Official transcript. An official reporter shall make the only official transcript of such proceedings. Copies of the transcript may be examined in the appropriate Regional Office during normal working hours. Parties desiring a copy of the transcript shall make arrangements for a copy with the official hearing reporter.