Rule 24.8.749 - DISCOVERY(1) The methods, scope, and procedures of discovery are those governed and permitted by the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure, recognizing that the hearing officer is not permitted by law to make an award of attorney fees as a sanction for failure to make discovery.(2) The hearing officer may fix the times, places, and methods of discovery by conference, prehearing order, or otherwise, and may enter appropriate orders for violations of orders fixing discovery procedures.(3) Depositions, interrogatories and answers to them, requests for production of documents and responses to them, and other discovery documents shall not be filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings without prior leave of the hearing officer.(4) The use of depositions at hearing or in lieu of testimony by a witness shall be governed by the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure. Where portions of a deposition are necessary for consideration, the hearing officer may order the preparation of excerpts of a deposition to avoid a bulky record or consideration of irrelevant or prejudicial matter.NEW, 2008 MAR p. 2636, Eff. 12/25/08.49-2-204, 49-3-106, MCA; IMP, 2-4-602, 49-2-505, 49-3-315, MCA;