(1) In all contested cases, discovery is available to the parties in accordance with Rules 26 through 37 of the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure. All references to "court" will be considered references to the hearing examiner or POST Council; all references to subpoena power will be considered references to ARM 1.3.230; all references to "trial" will be considered references to "hearing"; all references to "plaintiff" will be considered references to "a party"; all references to "clerk of court" will be considered references to the hearing examiner.

(2) If a party or other witness refuses to be sworn or refuses to answer any question after being directed to do so by the hearing examiner, the adversely affected party may seek enforcement in district court under 2-4-701, MCA.

(3) If either party seeking discovery believes it has been prejudiced by a protective order issued by the hearing examiner under Rule 26(c), M.R.Civ.P., or, if either party refuses to make discovery, the aggrieved party may petition the district court for review of the hearing examiner's action under 2-4-701, MCA.

(4) Severe failures of discovery may also be sanctioned pursuant to M.R.Civ.P. 37 and the case law interpreting it. Sanctions under this subsection may be enforced by or appealed to district court pursuant to 2-4-701, MCA.