(1) Any person who demonstrates an interest in the outcome of a petition for a declaratory ruling by showing his or her rights, duties or privileges will be affected by the ruling or who shows that he or she may be aggrieved by the outcome of a ruling may intervene in declaratory ruling proceedings.

(2) Any person, even though he or she does not have a direct interest in the outcome of a petition for a declaratory ruling, may participate in proceedings in a limited manner, as allowed by the commission or a hearing examiner. Parties permitted to appear or participate in proceedings for limited purposes may comment upon the petition and file briefs in support of their position, but may not examine witnesses, control proceedings or seek review of proposed orders or rulings of the commission or hearing examiner.

(3) The department may intervene and participate in proceedings for a declaratory ruling as a party, or for limited purposes, to represent the interests of the commission or the public.

(4) The department may identify any party who may have an interest in the outcome of declaratory ruling proceedings and notify the party of the petition for a declaratory ruling.