Public Participation Guidelines

Public Participation Guidelines. Public participation shall be permitted at oral proceedings in accordance with the following: A. At an oral proceeding on a proposed rule, persons may make statements and present documentary and physical submissions concerning the proposed rule. B. Persons wishing to make oral arguments at such a proceeding may notify the MDA at least three business days prior to the proceeding and indicate the general subject of their arguments. The presiding officer in his or her discretion may allow individuals to participate that have not contacted the MDA prior to the proceeding. C. At the proceeding, those who participate shall indicate their names and addresses, indentify any persons or organizations they may represent, and provide any other information relating to their participation deemed appropriate by the presiding officer. D. The presiding officer may place time limitations on individual comments when necessary to assure the orderly and expeditious conduct of the oral proceeding. E. Persons making arguments are encouraged to avoid restating matters that have already been submitted in writing. Written materials may, however, be submitted at the oral proceeding. G. Where time permits and to facilitate the exchange of information, the presiding officer may open the floor to questions or general discussion. The presiding officer may question participants and permit the questioning of participants by other participants about any matter relating to that rule-making proceeding, including any prior written submissions made by those participants in that proceeding. No participant shall be required to answer any question.