In deciding matters, a hearing officer shall be faithful to their reasonable understanding of controlling law. A hearing officer shall not be swayed by partisan interests, public clamor, or fear of criticism. Hearing officers shall not permit family, social, political, financial, or other personal interests or relationships to influence their conduct or judgment. A hearing officer shall not convey nor permit others to convey the impression that any person or organization is in a position to improperly influence the hearing officer. This provision is not intended to prevent a hearing officer from consulting and discussing a pending matter with other hearing officers or a supervising hearing officer within the administrative hearings office.
N.M. Admin. Code § 22.600.2.12