Section 163April 13, 1992, Sec./Art. 163

Investigation Procedure. –

a) The consumer arbitration officer shall conduct hearings on any complaint received by him or referred by the Council.

b) Parties to the case shall be entitled to notice of the hearing, and shall be informed of the date, time and place of the same. A copy of the complaint shall be attached to the notice.

c) The department shall afford all interested parties the opportunity to submit a statement of facts, arguments, offers of settlements or proposals of adjustments.

d) The Consumer arbitration officer shall first and foremost ensure that the contending parties come to a settlement of the case.

e) In the event that a settlement has not been effected, the Mediation officer may now proceed to formally investigate, hear and decide the case.

f) The Consumer arbitration officer may summon witnesses, administer oaths and affirmations, issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum, rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant evidence, take or cause deposition to be taken whenever the ends of justice would be served thereby, regulate the course of the hearing, rule on any procedural request or similar matter and decide the complaint.

In hearing the complaint, the mediation officer shall use every and all reasonable means to ascertain the facts in each complaint speedily and objectively without regard to strict rules of evidence prevailing in suits before courts. The complaints shall be decided within fifteen (15) days from the time the investigation was terminated.