ยง 4301. Powers of referee to determine. A referee to determine an
issue or to perform an act shall have all the powers of a court in
performing a like function; but he shall have no power to relieve
himself of his duties, to appoint a successor or to adjudge any person
except a witness before him guilty of contempt. For the purposes of this
article, the term referee shall be deemed to include judicial hearing
officer.