Consolidation of Hearings

Consolidation of Hearings. When applications involving a common question of law or fact, or multiple proceedings involving the same or related parties, are pending before a hearing officer, the hearing officer may — on the motion of any party, the Department’s motion, or the hearing officer’s own motion — order a joint hearing on any or all matters and issues. The hearing officer may order cases consolidated and may make such other orders as may tend to avoid unnecessary cost or delay.