(a) To refer one or more cases to a magistrate, a judge must issue an order of referral specifying the magistrate's duties. The judge may issue a written order of referral or may read the order of referral into the minutes of the court.
(b) An order of referral may:
(1) limit the powers of the magistrate and direct the magistrate to report only on specific issues, do particular acts, or receive and report on evidence only;
(2) set the time and place for the hearing;
(3) prescribe a closing date for the hearing;
(4) provide a date for filing the magistrate's findings;
(5) designate proceedings for more than one case over which the magistrate shall preside;
(6) direct the magistrate to call the court's docket; and
(7) set forth general powers and limitations of authority of the magistrate applicable to any case referred.