The commissioner or his designee shall designate a social work professional to serve as the independent evaluator during a removal hearing when requested by the hearing officer.

The evaluator shall not be a person who has been involved in any decisions regarding the case.

The evaluator shall have immediate and unlimited access to all department records pertaining to the child and out of home care provider.

The evaluator shall also be empowered to conduct interviews as may be necessary.

The evaluator shall be prepared to acquaint the hearing officer with the background of the child and provide recommendations, as may be requested, at a removal hearing.

The evaluator shall prepare a written report, including recommendations regarding future placement, which shall be submitted to the hearing officer and all parties prior to the day of the removal hearing.

The evaluator shall be expected to give testimony under oath if called as a witness by any of the parties or the hearing officer.