Section 1000.1700  Evidence

a)         The hearing officer shall receive evidence which is admissible under the law of the rules of evidence of Illinois pertaining to civil actions. In addition, the hearing officer may receive material, relevant evidence, which would be relied upon by a reasonably prudent person in the conduct of serious affairs, which is reasonably reliable and reasonably necessary to resolution of the issue for which it is offered; provided that the rules relating to privileged communications and privileged topics shall be observed.

b)         The hearing officer shall exclude immaterial, irrelevant and repetitious evidence.

c)         When the admissibility of disputed evidence depends upon an arguable interpretation of substantive law, the hearing officer shall admit such evidence.

d)         A party may conduct examinations or cross-examinations without rigid adherence to formal rules of evidence, provided the examination or cross-examination can be shown to be necessary and pertinent to a full and fair disclosure of the subject matter of the hearing.