§ 86.408 — What Are The Procedures For Conducting A Pre-hearing Conference?

(a) (1) A pre-hearing conference may be convened by the ALJ if the ALJ thinks that such a conference would be useful, or if requested by—

(i) The designated Department official; or

(ii) The IHE.

(2) The purpose of a pre-hearing conference is to allow the parties to settle, narrow, or clarify the dispute.

(b) A pre-hearing conference may consist of—

(1) A conference telephone call;

(2) An informal meeting; or

(3) The submission and exchange of written material.