Pre-Hearing Conferences

Pre-Hearing Conferences. The Hearing Officer may hold a prehearing conference at a time and manner established by the Hearing Officer. The conference may be held telephonically. The Hearing Officer may issue a prehearing order outlining the issues to be discussed. The Hearing Officer shall oversee the discussion of topics including, but not limited to, the following: A. Identification, simplification, and clarification of the issues underlying the hearing; B. Explanation of procedures, establishment of dates for the hearing, and explanation of the role of the parties, representatives, and the Hearing Officer; C. Stipulations and admissions of fact and the content and authenticity of documents; D. Disclosure of the number and identities of witnesses; E. Exploration of the possibility of settlement, if permissible; and, F. Identification of other such matters that promote the orderly and prompt conduct of the hearing.