R 408.40b Appearances at conferences.

Rule 10b. (1) In a contested case, in a hearing district designated by the director, the parties or their attorneys shall appear before the agency at any hearing or mediation conference at a date and place scheduled by the director in person, by telephone, video conference, or other electronic means. Failure of the petitioner or his or her attorney to appear in a timely manner and participate in a mediation conference may result in the application for mediation conference or hearing being deemed to have been voluntarily withdrawn under section 205 of the act, MCL 418.205. Failure of the defendant or its attorney to appear in a timely manner and participate in a mediation conference may subject the defendant to being charged immediately under R 408.35 for noncompliance with the act. A party that fails to appear and participate in a scheduled mediation conference shall obtain the dates for any future mediation conferences or hearings scheduled. (2) The agency may require any information from the parties that may be necessary to monitor the progress of the case, assist in the voluntary exchange of information between parties, and facilitate the scheduling of cases. (3) If the parties agree to compromise the dispute by voluntary payment, the terms of such payment must be specified on the voluntary payment form signed by both parties and the director or designated representative. If the benefits agreed to are not paid within 30 days of the date the agreement is personally served or mailed by the agency, then the carrier shall pay to the employee penalties in accordance with section 801 of the act, MCL 418.801.