Maryland Code, Labor and Employment § 8-506

(2)(i) A hearing examiner is not bound by statutory or common law rules of evidence or technical rules of procedure.

(ii) A hearing examiner shall consider evidence offered in accordance with § 10-213 of the State Government Article.

(b)(1)(i) A hearing examiner may not participate in any proceeding in which the hearing examiner has a direct or indirect interest.

(ii) The status of the Secretary as a party to a case may not constitute a direct or indirect interest as to a hearing examiner.

(2)(i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, ex parte communications are subject to § 10-219 of the State Government Article.

(ii) Section 10-219(d) of the State Government Article does not apply to ex parte communications under this subtitle.

(i) the same or substantially similar evidence is relevant and material to the matters at issue; and

(ii) in the judgment of the hearing examiner, the consolidation would not be prejudicial to a party.

(i) set the same time and place for considering each claim;

(ii) conduct joint hearings;

(iii) make a single record of the proceedings; and

(iv) consider evidence that is introduced in a proceeding for one claim as having been introduced for another claim.

(i) judicial review is initiated; or

(ii) the hearing examiner or the Board of Appeals orders a transcription.

(i) include the findings of fact and conclusions of law that support the decision;

(ii) be accompanied by any order necessary to give effect to the decision; and

(iii) conform to the requirements of § 10-221 of the State Government Article.