§ 498.215 The hearing and burden of proof.

(a) The ALJ will conduct a hearing on the record in order to determine whether the respondent should be found liable under this part. (b) In civil monetary penalty cases under §§ 498.100 through 498.132: (1) The respondent has the burden of going forward and the burden of persuasion with respect to affirmative defenses and any mitigating circumstances; and (2) The Inspector General has the burden of going forward and the burden of persuasion with respect to all other issues. (c) The burden of persuasion will be judged by a preponderance of the evidence. (d) The hearing will be open to the public unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ for good cause. (e)(1) A hearing under this part is not limited to specific items and information set forth in the notice letter to the respondent. Subject to the 15-day requirement under § 498.208, additional items or information may be introduced by either party during its case-in-chief, unless such information or items are inadmissible under § 498.217. (2) After both parties have presented their cases, evidence may be admitted on rebuttal as to those issues presented in the case-in-chief, even if not previously exchanged in accordance with § 498.208.