Scope

(1) Subject to any superseding federal or state law, these rules shall govern contested case proceedings before the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, and will be relied upon by administrative judges in all contested cases utilizing administrative judges appointed under T.C.A. §§ 50-6-118 or 50-6-412 or any future statute authorizing such appointments related to penalties assessed by the Bureau. (2) Any provision of these rules may be suspended where an administrative judge determines that suspension of the rules is clearly warranted in the interest of justice. (3) In any situation that arises that is not specifically addressed by these rules, reference may be made to the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure for guidance as to the proper procedure to follow, where appropriate and to whatever extent will best serve the interests of justice and the speedy and inexpensive determination of the matter at hand.