Conduct of hearing and prehearing conference.

(a) A designated representative of the Panel, when so appointed to conduct a hearing, shall have the authority on behalf of the Panel to: (1) Administer oaths, take the testimony or deposition of any person under oath, receive other evidence, and issue subpoenas; (2) Conduct the hearing in open or in closed session at the discretion of the designated representative for good cause shown; (3) Rule on motions and requests for appearance of witnesses and the production of records; (4) Designate the date on which posthearing briefs, if any, shall be submitted; and (5) Determine all procedural matters concerning the hearing, including the length of sessions, conduct of persons in attendance, recesses, continuances, and adjournments; and take any other action which, in the judgment of the designated representative, will promote the purpose and objectives of the hearing. (b) A prehearing conference may be conducted by the designated representative of the Panel to: (1) Inform the parties of the purpose of the hearing and the procedures under which it will take place; (2) Explore the possibilities of obtaining stipulations of fact; (3) Clarify the positions of the parties with respect to the issues to be heard; and (4) Discuss any other relevant matters which will assist the parties in the resolution of the dispute. [48 FR 19695, May 2, 1983. Redesignated at 61 FR 41295, Aug. 8, 1996]