71 IAC 10-3-8 Conferences

Sec. 8. (a) On written notice, the administrative law judge may, on his or her own motion or on the motion of a party, direct each party to appear at a specified time and place for a prehearing conference to formulate issues and consider any of the following: (1) Simplifying issues. (2) Amending the pleadings. (3) Making admissions of fact or stipulations to avoid the unnecessary introduction of proof. (4) Designating parties. (5) Setting the order of procedure at a hearing. (6) Identifying and limiting the number of witnesses. (7) Resolving other matters that may expedite or simplify the disposition of the controversy, including settling issues in dispute. (b) The administrative law judge shall issue an order with respect to the action taken at the prehearing conference unless the parties enter into a written agreement as to the action. The administrative law judge may enter appropriate orders concerning prehearing discovery, stipulations of uncontested matters, presentation of evidence, and scope of inquiry. (c) During a hearing, on written notice or notice stated into the record, the administrative law judge may direct each party or the representative of each party to appear for a conference to consider any matter that may expedite the hearing and serve the interests of justice. The administrative law judge shall prepare a written statement regarding the action taken at the conference.