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(1) The OAH has the authority to dismiss a request for hearing when (a) the request for hearing is not timely filed; (b) the claimant/petitioner or representative requests withdrawal of the request for hearing; (c) the claimant/petitioner fails to appear at the scheduled time and place for the hearing; (d) changes in either Federal or State law require automatic grant adjustments for classes of clients. (2) A party whose case has been dismissed may request reinstatement of the case if he/she can show good cause. Such request must be made within ten (10) days of the dismissal. I. Hearing Procedure (1) The hearing officer will give an opening statement briefly describing the nature of the proceeding and identifying the issues of the hearing. (2) The parties shall be allowed to make opening and closing statements subject to reasonable limitations as determined by the presiding hearing officer. (3) Evidence (a) S. C. Code Ann. Section 1–23–330 (1976) (as amended) shall govern questions of admissibili- ty; (b) Each party shall have the opportunity to present documentary evidence and witnesses, including child witnesses, who will be subject to cross-examination. First, the Department will present evidence to support the action or inaction that is being appealed, and then the petitioner will present his or her case; however, the order of presentation may be changed at the discretion of the hearing officer/committee. The parties may present rebuttal evidence. (4) The hearing officer shall swear or affirm each witness. At the hearing officer’s discretion, witnesses may be sequestered during the hearing. (5) Objections All objections to procedure, the admissibility of evidence, or other matters must be made timely and stated on the record. (6) Child Witnesses The hearing officer may modify procedures and room accommodations to minimize the trauma of testifying, including, but not limited to: (a) allowing a parent or other support person to be present in the room; (b) allowing frequent breaks to be taken as necessary for the child’s focus; (c) allowing leading questions during direct examination, to the extent necessary to develop the child’s testimony; (d) allowing a more comfortable configuration of the hearing room; (e) requiring attorneys, or other questioners, to pose questions and objections while seated and in a manner that is not intimidating. (7) Out-of-Court Statements by Certain Children (a) An out-of-court statement made by a child who is under twelve years of age, or who functions cognitively, adaptively, or developmentally under the age of twelve, concerning any issue in dispute is admissible if the requirements of S.C. Code Section 19-1-180(B), (C), (D) and (E) are met, regardless of whether it would otherwise be admissible. (b) The limitations of Section 19-1-180(A) do not apply. J. Decision (1) The Office of Administrative Hearings will issue a final decision, in writing, which shall include separate findings of fact and conclusions of law promptly after the date of the conclusion of the hearing. In cases heard by a committee, the entire committee shall participate in rendering the final decision, and in cases where the committee decision is not unanimous, the majority vote shall govern.