Pre-Hearing Conferences

Section 168 Section 168.245  Pre-Hearing Conferences a)         A pre-hearing conference may be scheduled at the Hearing Officer's discretion or as a result of a request by any party.  This conference shall be for the purpose of considering: 1)         The simplification of issues of fact and law; 2)         The necessity or desirability of amending pleadings or documents for the purpose of clarification, amplification, or limitation; 3)         The possibility of making admissions of fact or stipulations concerning the foundation for testimony or exhibits or use of matters of public record, to avoid unnecessary introduction of proof; 4)         The limitation of the number of witnesses, including experts; 5)         The usefulness of prior mutual exchange between or among parties of prepared testimony and exhibits; and 6)         Such other matters as may aid in the simplification of the evidence and disposition of the proceeding. b)         After a pre-hearing conference, the Hearing Officer; shall provide all parties with a statement which recites: 1)         Any action taken by the Hearing Officer; 2)         Any agreements made by the parties as to any of the matters considered; and 3)         Those issues remaining for hearing. c)         A certified court reporter may be present at a pre-hearing conference.  All costs related to the court reporting services shall be borne by the party requesting such service.