(a) Purposes
The purposes of a pre-hearing conference include, but are not limited to:
(1) expediting the disposition of the proceeding;
(2) establishing procedures to manage the proceeding efficiently; and
(3) improving the quality of the hearing through more thorough preparation.
(b) Procedure
On his or her own motion or at the request of a Party, the Hearing Officer may, in his or her discretion, order counsel or any Party to meet for a pre-hearing conference. Such conferences also may be held with one or more persons participating by telephone or other remote means.
(c) Subjects to be Discussed
At a pre-hearing conference, the Hearing Officer shall schedule an expedited proceeding as required by
Rule 9290, and may consider and take action with respect to any or all of the following:
(1) simplification and clarification of the issues;
(2) exchange of witness and exhibit lists and copies of exhibits;
(3) stipulations, admissions of fact, and stipulations concerning the contents, authenticity, or admissibility into evidence of documents;
(4) matters of which official notice may be taken;
(5) the schedule for exchanging pre-hearing motions or briefs, if any;
(6) the method of service and filing of papers by the Parties;
(7) determination of hearing dates;
(8) amendments to the complaint or answers thereto;
(9) production of documents as set forth in
Rule 9251;
(10) designation of relevant portions of transcripts from investigative testimony or other proceedings and the inclusion of an index for such testimony; and
(11) such other matters as may aid in the orderly and expeditious disposition of the proceeding.
(d) Scheduling
An initial pre-hearing conference, unless determined by the Hearing Officer to be unnecessary or premature, shall be held within 21 days after filing of an answer, or after the expiration of the second period provided for filing an answer as set forth in
Rule 9215(f). When a complaint names multiple Respondents, the 21-day period shall commence from the later of (i) the date on which the last timely answer was filed, or (ii) if one or more Respondents have failed to answer, from the expiration of the second period provided for filing an answer under
Rule 9215(f).
(e) Pre-hearing Order
At or following the conclusion of any conference held pursuant to this Rule, the Hearing Officer shall enter a written ruling or order that recites any agreements reached and any procedural determinations made by the Hearing Officer.
(f) Failure to Appear: Default
The Hearing Officer may issue a default decision, pursuant to
Rule 9269, against a Party that fails to appear, in person or through counsel or a representative, at a pre-hearing conference of which the Party has due notice.
