Pre-hearing conferences.

§ 35.19 Pre-hearing conferences. (a) The ALJ may schedule pre-hearing conferences as appropriate. (b) Upon the motion of any party, the ALJ shall schedule at least one pre-hearing conference at a reasonable time in advance of the hearing. (c) The ALJ may use pre-hearing conferences to discuss the following: (1) Simplification of the issues; (2) The necessity or desirability of amendments to the pleadings, including the need for a more definite statement; (3) Stipulations and admissions of fact or as to the contents and authenticity of documents; (4) Whether the parties can agree to submission of the case on a stipulated record; (5) Whether a party chooses to waive appearance at an oral hearing and to submit only documentary evidence (subject to the objection of other parties) and written argument; (6) Limitation of the number of witnesses; (7) Scheduling dates for the exchange of witness lists and of proposed exhibits; (8) Discovery; (9) The time and place for the hearing; and (10) Such other matters as may tend to expedite the fair and just disposition of the proceedings. (d) The ALJ may issue an order containing all matters agreed upon by the parties or ordered by the ALJ at a pre-hearing conference.