Section 1596.8871.

(a)  The administrative law judge conducting a hearing under this article may permit the testimony of a child witness, or a similarly vulnerable witness, including a witness who is developmentally disabled, to be taken outside the presence of the respondent or respondents if all of the following conditions exist:

(1)  The administrative law judge determines that taking the witness's testimony outside the presence of the respondent or respondents is necessary to ensure truthful testimony.

(2)  The witness is likely to be intimidated by the presence of the respondent or respondents.

(3)  The witness is afraid to testify in front of the respondent or respondents.

(b)  If the testimony of the witness is taken outside of the presence of the respondent or respondents, the department shall provide for the use of one-way closed-circuit television so the respondent or respondents can observe the testimony of the witness. Nothing in this section shall limit a respondent's right of cross-examination.

(c)  The administrative law judge conducting a hearing under this section may clear the hearing room of any persons who are not a party to the action in order to protect any witness from intimidation or other harm, taking into account the rights of all persons.

(Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1267, Sec. 10. Effective January 1, 1995.)