Conduct of hearings

(a) The panel shall conduct the hearing with due regard to the law and established rules of evidence, which shall be liberally construed to promote justice. In personal injury cases, medical proof may be established by the submission into evidence of medical reports of attending or examining physicians upon stipulation of all parties. (b) The panel shall have the general powers of a court, including but not limited to: (1) subpoenaing witnesses to appear; (2) subpoenaing books, papers, documents and other items of evidence; (3) administering oaths or affirmations; (4) determining the admissibility of evidence and the form in which it is to be offered; and (5) deciding questions of law and facts in the actions submitted to them.