(A) The commission may take testimony in any manner prescribed by Ohio law. All rules of evidence shall be observed in the conduct of hearings before the commission. Respondent may be represented by counsel. (B) The commission shall issue subpoenas for witnesses under the seal of the Supreme Court, signed by a member of the commission or the director of the Board. The refusal or neglect of a person subpoenaed as a witness to obey a subpoena, to attend, to be sworn or to affirm, or to answer any proper question shall be considered contempt of the Supreme Court, and the person shall be punished accordingly. (C) Costs and expenses incurred by the Board and the commission shall be paid from the Attorney Services Fund. The Supreme Court may order that the fund be reimbursed by the respondent if the proceeding terminates in retirement, removal, or suspension without pay.(D) This rule and regulations relating to investigations and proceedings involving complaints and petitions for reinstatement shall be liberally construed for the protection of the public and the courts and shall apply to all pending investigations and complaints so far as may be practicable, and to all future investigations, complaints, and petitions whether the conduct involved occurred prior or subsequent to the adoption of this rule.