(a) The Secretary shall give notice of and hold any hearing authorized or required by this subtitle in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
(b) If a written protest against a rule or regulation is filed in accordance with § 22-306 or § 22-307 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide an opportunity for a public hearing:
(1) To receive evidence on the issues raised by the protest; and
(2) To hear any interested person.