(1) The commission or its appointed hearing examiners may hold hearings at places of convenience to the parties concerned.
(2) The powers of the commission in the conduct of hearings, including the power to administer oaths and subpoena persons, may be exercised on its behalf by a member, members or a hearing examiner appointed by the chair of the commission.
(3) Hearings may be conducted on the basis of oral or written evidence.
(4) The commission may administer oaths and subpoena persons, including parties, as witnesses and may compel them to produce documentary evidence for hearings.
(5) Timely notice of the hearing and its time and place, as well as the future storage place for the hearing record, shall be given to the parties, and copies of the notice of the hearing shall be posted by the employer at places the commission shall require.
(6) The hearings shall be open to the public and the records of hearings shall be maintained and available for examination.
(7) For the orderly transaction of the hearings, the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure shall be used unless a different rule is adopted by the commission.
(8) The rules of the commission shall provide affected employees or their representatives an opportunity to participate as parties.