S.C. Code Ann. § 46-17-90

Every hearing shall be public and all testimony shall be under oath and a permanent record maintained. The Commission shall designate a member of the Department to be the hearing examiner in any hearing, and he may exercise any power herein conferred upon the Commission in connection therewith, including the power to administer oaths, examine witnesses and issue subpoenas. At each hearing the hearing examiner shall receive evidence with respect to all of the matters and things upon which a finding may be based.