Sec. 19. (a) This section and section 18 of this chapter apply to prehearing conferences.

(b) To expedite a decision on pending motions and other issues, the administrative law judge may conduct all or part of the prehearing conference by telephone, television, or other electronic means if each participant in the conference has an opportunity:

(1) to participate in;

(2) to hear; and

(3) if technically feasible, to see;

the entire proceeding while it is taking place.

(c) The administrative law judge shall conduct the prehearing conference, as may be appropriate, to deal with such matters as the following:

(1) Resolution of the issues in the proceeding under section 23 of this chapter.

(2) Exploration of settlement possibilities.

(3) Preparation of stipulations.

(4) Clarification of issues.

(5) Rulings on identity and limitation of the number of witnesses.

(6) Objections to proffers of evidence.

(7) A determination of the extent to which direct evidence, rebuttal evidence, or cross-examination will be presented in written form.

(8) The order of presentation of evidence and cross-examination.

(9) Rulings regarding issuance of subpoenas, discovery orders, and protective orders.

(10) Such other matters as will promote the orderly and prompt conduct of the hearing.

The administrative law judge shall issue a prehearing order incorporating the matters determined at the prehearing conference.

(d) If a prehearing conference is not held, the administrative law judge for the hearing may issue a prehearing order, based on the pleadings, to regulate the conduct of the proceedings.

As added by P.L.18-1986, SEC.1.